What counts as a dental emergency
If you're not sure, call. A short conversation usually tells us whether you need to come in today, this week, or can manage at home for now.
- Severe or throbbing toothache
- Cracked, chipped or broken tooth
- Knocked-out or loosened tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Swelling in the gum or face
- A child's dental injury
Knocked-out tooth: act within the hour
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with water. If you can, gently push it back into its socket and bite on a clean cloth. If not, keep it in a cup of milk. Call us right away; the sooner it's back in place, the better its chances.
Broken tooth or lost crown
Rinse with warm water, save any pieces, and put a cold compress on your cheek. For a lost crown, keep it safe and bring it with you; we can often re-cement it. Don't use household glue. Pharmacy dental cement can cover a sharp edge until you see us.
When to go to the ER instead
Facial swelling with fever, swelling that spreads toward your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a jaw injury after an accident need emergency-room care first. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
When we're open
Tuesday to Friday 9 AM–6 PM, and Saturday 8 AM–3 PM by appointment. We're closed Sunday and Monday. If you call while we're closed, leave a message, and for severe symptoms go to the ER.