*In the event of a dental emergency, follow the instructions below for your specific dental problem. If these do not help your problem, then call 817.275.4817. If it is after normal business hours, please follow the instructions of the recording to be forwarded to the answering service. The answering service will contact the doctor on call.
Bleeding (Post-Extraction)
Fold a piece of gauze and bite with firm pressure on the extraction site for 45 minutes. If bleeding continues, bite on a tea bag to provide the pressure. If bleeding persists, either call the emergency number or procede to the emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, see a dentist.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Broken Jaw (Suspected)
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Call the office to receive dental treatment as soon as possible.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit our office.
Cut or Bite on Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.
Temporary Crown Dislodges
If the temporary crown can be replaced over the tooth, then place either vasoline or denture adhesive inside the temporary and place on the tooth. Call the office to have it replaced. If you cannot replace the temporary, save it to bring with you to have our staff replace it. (If it is a permanent crown that comes loose, follow the same steps as for a temporary crown.)
Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen or acetaminophen is recommended. Call the office as soon as possible.