Emergency Dentistry Specialist

What is emergency dentistry?

A dental emergency is an injury or infection that requires immediate care. Failing to treat a dental emergency can result in severe pain, damage, or even tooth loss. Dr. Tomase and the team offer after-hours care to ensure you get the care you need quickly. If the office is closed, you can contact Dr. Tomase’s up-to-date phone number for professional advice.

How do I know if I need emergency dentistry?

Not all accidents or injuries require emergency dentistry. If you have a toothache from a piece of food lodged in between your teeth, you may be able to treat it at home with floss. Understanding the warning signs of a dental emergency can help you recognize when you need immediate treatment. Common signs of dental emergencies include:

• Loose teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Tooth pain
• Inflamed gums
• Bleeding
• Lacerated gums or soft tissues
• Cracked or broken teeth
• Lost restorations (fillings, crowns, etc.)
• Jaw swelling
• Canker sore that isn’t healing

Contact Dr. Tomase and his team right away if you experience dental emergency symptoms.

How do I care for a dental emergency?

The first step in any dental emergency is contacting Dr. Tomase. He and his team can schedule your emergency appointment and offer advice on caring for your teeth in the meantime. Tips for caring for a dental emergency include:

Fractured teeth

Try to locate the missing piece of your fractured tooth if you can. Carefully rinse the tooth and bring it to your appointment. To combat swelling while you wait, apply an ice pack and take over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory pain relievers.

Knocked-out tooth

Don’t panic if you have a knocked-out tooth. With the right care, Dr. Tomase may be able to replace it. First, locate the tooth and gently rinse any debris off without disturbing the root. Carefully try to replace the tooth in the socket, root side up, and bite down to hold it in place. If you can’t replace the tooth, store it in a glass of milk or saliva and bring it to your appointment.

Bitten tongue or lip

If you have a severely bitten tongue or lip, you may need stitches. Rinse your mouth out to prevent infection and try to control the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth. If your bleeding won’t stop, head to the nearest emergency room for treatment.

Tooth pain

A severe toothache is a sign of infection. You can apply an ice pack to the area while you wait for your emergency visit, but don’t take any OTC pain relievers until Dr. Tomase uncovers the source of your pain.

To learn more about emergency dentistry, call Tomase Dental Care or schedule an appointment online today.