What To Do in an Emergency

Please do not hesitate to call us if you feel your child is experiencing a dental emergency (pain, swelling, lost filling, knocked out or fractured teeth). You can reach us through our main number at all times: 

 (801) 446-8007.

Regular dental care helps prevent inconvenient dental emergencies. However, dental emergencies can and do occur. Listed here are some of the more common dental emergencies and what you can do until you can get to our office. A good rule of thumb: if it hurts call to make an appointment right away.  We will be happy to see you as soon as possible.

TOOTHACHE/SENSITIVE TEETH

A toothache or a sensitive tooth can be due to a chipped tooth, a broken filling, decay or an infected or dying nerve. Over-the counter pain relief medication can temporarily relieve discomfort. See us as soon as possible for an evaluation. Slight pain, if left untreated, can progress into facial or oral swelling and severe pain.

BROKEN TOOTH

Teeth with large fillings can easily break or fracture. Call us as soon as possible to have the tooth evaluated and restored. If the broken tooth is not treated, more serious problems can develop. Broken teeth may or may not be sensitive to air and temperature changes. Sensitivity and pain are not necessarily an indication of how badly the tooth is damaged.

PERMANENT TOOTH KNOCKED OUT

Try to place the tooth back into position immediately.  If the tooth has been knocked out of the mouth and is dirty, it can be briefly rinsed under water prior to repositioning it in the mouth but do not try to scrub it clean. Scrubbing the tooth could remove important cells and tissues off of the tooth. If  you are unable to reposition the tooth in the mouth, place it in milk, and get the tooth and patient to a dentist immediately. The faster the tooth can be repositioned, the better the odds that the tooth can be saved. Time is crucial.

OBJECT STUCK BETWEEN TEETH

Use dental floss to gently remove the object. Do not use sharp or pointed objects to push or pry the objects from between your teeth. If the object does not come out easily, call your dentist for an evaluation. 

ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS

If an appliance is loose, schedule an evaluation. If a sharp wire is exposed, cover it with a piece of wax, gum, a small cotton ball, or anything to keep the sharp end from poking into the soft tissues, and schedule an appointment with your orthodontist.

SWOLLEN GUMS

Swollen gums are often a sign of an infection. The infection may be caused by a dying nerve inside the tooth or a periodontal (gum) problem. See your dentist as soon as possible. The swelling may or may not be accompanied by pain. Either way, it needs attention.