Start by gently rinsing your mouth with warm water and using floss to clear out any debris that may be stuck near the sore tooth. If discomfort persists or the area feels warm to the touch, it’s important to give us a call to book an appointment for further evaluation.

Use a cold compress or ice pack to help minimize swelling, and press a clean cloth or sterile gauze firmly on the area to slow the bleeding. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a short time, contact your doctor or visit the nearest emergency room for immediate care.

For a Baby Tooth:

Do not attempt to reinsert the tooth. Instead, gently rinse your child’s mouth with water and contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

For a Permanent Tooth:

Time is critical—take the following steps right away:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
• Rinse it gently with water—do not scrub.
• If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and have the person bite gently on clean gauze to keep it in place.
• If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or the person’s saliva.
• Call our office immediately so we can provide emergency care.

If your tooth gets chipped or broken, rinse the affected area gently with lukewarm water and apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling. If you find the broken piece, place it in milk and bring it with you to our office. If more than half of the tooth is damaged, please contact us right away.