Dr. Fisher, Dr. Zitterich, and our team understands that the very nature of an emergency is inconvenience, and we’re here for you in these stressful times. Please call our Rockwall office immediately to request an emergency care visit if you experience a severe toothache, knock out a tooth, badly damage your teeth, or find yourself in any emergency dental situation. We do our very best to see emergency cases immediately. If you experience intense bleeding or your emergency extends beyond dental care, please go to the nearest emergency room for assistance.
Some situations can be remedied or improved by following a few simple tips. While these suggestions do not solve all problems, they offer first-aid care until you can come to our office or your local emergency room.
Temporary Crown Falls Out
Temporary crowns are cemented with a “temporary” or weaker cement than are permanent crowns. This is necessary so we can safely remove them when it’s time to place your permanent crown. If your temporary crown falls out and you still have it, dry your natural tooth, apply a small dab of toothpaste to the temporary and reseat it. You may also use dental wax or temporary adhesive, available at most pharmacies or drug stores. Please call our office so that we can professionally re-cement your temporary as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Tooth
Rinse the tooth gently under water to remove debris. Place the tooth into the socket it fell from and hold it in place until you get to our office. Otherwise, put the tooth into a baggie of milk and bring it to us so that we can determine whether reattachment is possible.
Cut/Bitten Tongue or Lip
Thoroughly clean the cut, then hold a cold compress against it. If bleeding does not stop, call Dr. Fisher and Dr. Zitterich or go to your local emergency room. You may need stitches.
Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth should be rinsed immediately with warm water. Call us right away so we can manage our schedule for you. Then hold a cold compress against the affected tooth to reduce swelling while on your way to our office.
Possibly Broken Jaw
If you think your jaw may be broken, apply a cold compress and proceed to your local emergency room immediately. If you lost or damaged teeth during your injury, please call us as well.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth and the area around the tooth, then floss around the tooth to make sure that debris caught in your gum line is not causing the pain. Do not put an aspirin on the tooth because it can burn your gum tissue. Call our office so we can see you as soon as possible.
Something Caught Between Teeth
Use dental floss to gently remove the debris, and be sure that you don’t cut your gums with the floss. Do not use a sharp instrument to dislodge the debris. If floss doesn’t help, call our office for an appointment.