Physical / mental / occupational care provide patients with help on relearning how to perform daily duties or improve their speech after a severe illness or injury. Surrounded by their possessions, pets, and a familiar environment, our clients receive the support they need to enjoy their regular activities and continue living well at home.
No matter how conscientiously you care for your teeth, a dental problem can happen. Just like any other emergency, dental problems don’t always happen at a convenient time. It’s important to know what constitutes a dental emergency, know what to do when one occurs, and have a dentist who is there when emergency care is needed.
Most dental emergencies fall into one of two categories
Either you fall and break a tooth or knock it out; or you have sudden, unexpected swelling of the mouth, face, or neck. Both conditions can be quite painful. You need help NOW! Please don’t hesitate to call. We arrange our daily appointment schedule to accommodate patient emergencies during regular hours. Simply put when you need us, we will fit you in! If that injury, sudden swelling, or pain occurs after hours, just call the office. Our answering service will get you to the help you need, quickly 24/7.
What can you do meanwhile?
If part of a tooth has broken off or a whole tooth is knocked out, please keep it in a cup of milk and bring it along to your emergency visit. Milk has a similar pH to the mouth and thus helps to preserve the tissue, improving our chance of saving it.
Place an ice pack wrapped in a soft cloth on the injury site (keep it on for no more than ten minutes at a time). If you wake up with or have sudden facial swelling, please do NOT apply ice or heat until the doctor has had a chance to determine the cause.
In either situation, you may take over-the-counter pain medication right away for relief.
Usually a damaged or loosened restoration (filling, bond, crown, bridge, or veneer) does not require emergency care unless it is causing pain. You may put dental wax or sugar-free gum over jagged edges of the tooth to protect your soft tissues until the dentist can see you.
In the case of a serious accident or injury, please go directly to the emergency room.
We work with every patient to try to prevent dental distress, even if it’s a simple toothache.
