When to call us immediately
A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, swelling, bleeding, trauma to the teeth or jaw, or a lost restoration that is causing distress. When in doubt, call. We would rather take your call and help you determine whether it is urgent than have you suffer unnecessarily or lose a tooth that could have been saved.
Severe Toothache
Intense, persistent tooth pain may indicate an abscess or pulp infection. This will not resolve on its own and can spread.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical. Handle tooth by the crown only, rinse gently, keep moist, and call immediately. Reimplantation is possible if done quickly.
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
A cracked tooth can worsen with each bite. If there is pain or visible fracture, do not wait.
Lost Crown or Filling
A lost restoration exposes sensitive dentin. Temporary over-the-counter cement can help until you are seen.
Abscess or Swelling
Facial swelling, particularly with fever, is a serious sign of spreading infection. Call immediately.
Broken Braces or Wire
A broken wire or bracket that is cutting soft tissue needs attention. Cover sharp ends with orthodontic wax as a temporary measure.
Immediate steps for common emergencies
Knocked-out tooth
Pick up by the crown only. Do not scrub or remove tissue fragments. Rinse gently with milk or saline. Attempt to reinsert in the socket if possible and bite down softly on a cloth. If not possible, keep tooth moist in milk, saline, or between cheek and gum. Call immediately.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water. Take over-the-counter ibuprofen (not aspirin, which can increase bleeding). Do not apply aspirin directly to the gum. Call us.
Lost crown or filling
Over-the-counter dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can temporarily seal the exposed tooth. Avoid chewing on that side until seen.
Broken tooth
Rinse mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces. Call us immediately.
Soft tissue injury
Rinse with mild salt water. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Abscess
Do not attempt to pop it. Rinse with warm salt water to draw the infection and relieve pressure. Take ibuprofen for pain. Call us immediately — infections can spread rapidly.
Korcek Dental
Same-day emergency appointments available
Call (775) 782-9177 as early in the day as possible to secure a same-day slot.