Emergencies

If you or someone you know has an accident, please call us as soon as possible 24 hours a day:

(510) 489-8808

We will work with you directly to figure out a game plan for you and your child and we’ll get them into the office as soon as possible. The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treating dental trauma.

 

Scenarios

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

  • Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion.

  • You may briefly rinse the tooth with saline or milk, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

  • Inspect the tooth for fractures.

  • If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient keep the tooth in place by biting on gauze.

  • If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Time is critical. Seek immediate dental care!

  • Note: Primary (baby) teeth are not generally replaced in the socket as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath, however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.

Broken Tooth

  • Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water.

  • Place a cold compress over the area of the injury.

  • Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.

  • Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Broken Braces and Wires

  • If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax.

  • If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. Take the patient to a dentist immediately.

  • Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

  • Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water & 50% hydrogen peroxide).

  • If the patient's lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.

Toothache

  • Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.

  • Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.

  • DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the patient's face is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.

Dental Abscess or Swelling

  • There’s no way to treat a gum abscess at home.

  • To reduce pain and sensitivity until your child can see a dentist, rinse mouth with warm salt water or take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.

  • Take the patient to the dentist immediately

  • Go to Urgent care or Emergency room if your child has the following symptoms along with dental abscess or swelling:

    • a temperature above 101˚F (38˚C)

    • difficulty breathing

    • abdominal pain

    • high heart rate