Emergency Dental Care
Dental pain and injuries can be frightening, but knowing what to do next can protect your health and may improve the chance of saving a damaged tooth. Call Ark Dental as soon as possible, describe what happened, and we will help you determine the appropriate next step.
Common Dental Emergencies
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A permanent tooth that has been knocked out or displaced
- A broken, cracked, or badly chipped tooth
- Swelling or a suspected dental abscess
- A lost filling, crown, or damaged restoration
- An object caught between teeth that floss cannot remove
First Steps for Common Emergencies
Knocked-out permanent tooth
Pick it up by the crown, never the root. If dirty, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. If it cannot be placed back in the socket easily, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-preservation solution and call us immediately. Do not reinsert a baby tooth.
Cracked or chipped tooth
Rinse gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if swelling is present. Save any broken pieces and avoid chewing on that side.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and floss gently in case food is trapped. Do not place aspirin or another pain medicine directly against the tooth or gums.
Lost filling or crown
Save the crown or restoration and keep the area clean. Do not use household glue. Avoid hard or sticky foods until the tooth can be evaluated.
Object between teeth
Try to remove it gently with dental floss. Do not use a pin, knife, or other sharp instrument. Contact us if it cannot be removed comfortably.
When You Call
Tell us when the problem began, where the pain or injury is located, whether swelling or bleeding is present, and whether a tooth or restoration came out. Bring any tooth fragments, crown, or knocked-out tooth with you.
If you are unsure whether the problem is urgent, call. We would rather help you assess it early than have you wait with worsening pain or swelling.
Dental emergency? Call now so we can guide your next step.
Call (203) 838-3321