In many cases, we can see most emergencies within 24 hours. Schedule your appointment at 505-327-6233.
Toothache
Begin by carefully cleaning around the sore tooth. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. DO NOT use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gums. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible. You should seek emergency care if you have facial swelling, a temperature above 100oF, limited mouth opening, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Cut or Bitten 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, seek emergency care.
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 Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Gently rinse the tooth, but do not clean or handle it 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. The chances of saving the tooth decrease the longer the tooth is left outside the mouth.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, gently keep the mouth closed. Limit all mouth opening. Go immediately to an 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.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit the dentist. Your dentist can prescribe more powerful and specific medications. Some specific, persistent sores can indicate a more serious medical condition.