🚨 Dental Emergencies
We’re here for you when you need us most
If after hours, follow voicemail instructions for emergency contact
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
Severe Tooth Pain
Persistent, severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping may indicate an abscess or infection
Knocked Out Tooth
Lost a tooth? Pick it up, rinse gently, and try to reinsert. If not possible, place in milk
Bleeding Gums
Severe or uncontrolled bleeding, especially with swelling or fever
Broken/Chipped Tooth
Sharp fragments causing injury or severe damage to tooth structure
Infection/Abscess
Swelling, fever, or pus indicates a serious infection requiring immediate treatment
Jaw Injury
Possible fracture, severe swelling, or difficulty opening/closing jaw
What To Do: Step-by-Step
Emergency Scenarios
Knocked Out Tooth
Time is critical! A tooth knocked out can often be saved if you act fast.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part), not the root
- Rinse gently with water (don’t scrub or use soap)
- Try to reinsert into socket and bite down gently on gauze
- If you can’t reinsert, place tooth in milk or saline solution
- Get to our office within 30 minutes if possible
Severe Tooth Pain
This often indicates infection or abscess. While waiting for appointment:
- Take pain medication (follow package directions)
- Apply ice to cheek externally
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Rinse with warm salt water every 2 hours
- Seek emergency treatment – infection can spread
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Depending on severity:
- Save any tooth fragments in milk
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- If bleeding, apply pressure with gauze
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Avoid chewing on the broken tooth
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
For excessive bleeding:
- Apply direct pressure with clean gauze (15-20 minutes)
- Bite down on gauze to maintain pressure
- Apply ice to the area
- Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully
- If bleeding persists beyond 30 minutes, call 911
Abscess/Infection (Swelling)
Swelling with fever indicates serious infection:
- Call immediately – this requires urgent treatment
- Do not attempt to drain or pop the abscess
- Apply ice to reduce swelling (don’t use heat)
- Take pain medication
- If you develop fever, facial swelling, or difficulty swallowing, go to ER
After-Hours Emergencies
When we’re closed, call (316) 722-6060. Our voicemail will direct you to:
- Dr. Reno’s emergency contact – for urgent cases requiring immediate evaluation
- Local ER or urgent care – for life-threatening situations
- Poison control – if toxic substances were ingested
When to Call 911
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Severe facial trauma or jaw fracture
- Tooth lodged in airway
- Fever above 103°F with facial swelling
- Any life-threatening situation
Prevention helps reduce emergencies
Most dental emergencies can be prevented with proper care:
- ✓ Brush twice daily and floss daily
- ✓ Wear mouthguards during sports
- ✓ Avoid chewing hard objects (ice, hard candy, nuts)
- ✓ Don’t use teeth as tools
- ✓ Schedule regular check-ups and cleanings
- ✓ Address problems early – don’t wait for pain
Need Help Now?
Contact us immediately for emergency treatment
Follow voicemail instructions for after-hours emergency contact
