If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call us immediately at (541) 485-6645. We will provide you first aid advice over the phone and get you help as soon as possible.
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Unexpected dental problems arise from time to time. Whether you play sports, took a fall on the ice or experienced some other mishap, accidents can lead to immediate tooth damage. We can help you address some of the most urgent dental issues promptly with emergency dentistry services.
Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment in order to save a tooth, stop ongoing tissue bleeding or alleviate severe pain is considered a dental emergency. A severe infection or abscess in the mouth can be life-threatening and should be dealt with immediately.
Call us if you have:
Dental First Aid - What To Do
We know dental emergencies can be scary and overwhelming whether it’s happening to you or a loved one. Remain calm, perform first aid, and arrange to see a medical professional as soon as possible.
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to the area. You may be able to take the edge off your pain by taking a pain reliever like acetaminophen (ex. Tylenol) or ibuprofen (ex. Advil). Always follow the advice of your doctor and read the instructions on the bottle when taking any medication. Make a note of what medication, how much and the time it was taken so you can let us know when you come in.
Knocked-Out Teeth
Time is of the essence, we may be able to restore your natural tooth! If a whole tooth has been knocked out –and is reasonably clean – quickly and gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If you can’t because you’re unsure or it hurts, then save the tooth in a cup of milk. Make sure to call us immediately at (541) 485-6645. A knocked-out tooth is more likely to be saved if treated within the hour.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to wash away smaller fragments. If you are bleeding, hold a piece of sterile gauze on the area until bleeding stops. You may use a cold compress to relieve some of the pain and swelling. Call us immediately. We will work quickly to relieve your pain, heal your injury, and restore your tooth.
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums.
Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Because of the serious oral health and general health problems that can result from an abscess, see your dentist as soon as possible.
In the meantime, to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are dental first aid tips found above however, the best first step is always to give us a call! We will give you guidance over the phone to help alleviate your pain, save your tooth and get you here as quickly as possible.
Always follow your doctors’ advice and read the directions on the bottle before taking any pain medication. If it is safe for you, you may take a pain reliever like Tylenol, Advil or Aspirin to take the edge off. This is not a permanent or perfect solution. Dental pain is often nerve related and the only substantial relief will come from treatment a doctor can provide. If you do take something, write down what you took, how much you took, and when you took it and let us know when you come in.
Yes. If you need emergency dental care and go to the Emergency Room (ER), the ER will treat you and then bill your health insurance. The ER is not likely to be able to treat a dental problem unless it is a health emergency. They may also use temporary measures to relieve pain until you are able to see a dentist.
If left untreated, a broken tooth can collect bacteria, risking infection or abscess. A broken tooth also risks nerve damage and may lead to needing a root canal.
If the abscess ruptures, the pain may decrease significantly but you still need dental treatment. If the abscess doesn't drain, the infection may spread to your jaw and to other areas of your head and neck. You might even develop sepsis, a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout your body.