Dental emergencies
Severe tooth pain, swelling, or a tooth knocked out or broken. During office hours, call us and we will find you the soonest time we can.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have:
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- swelling that is spreading toward your eye or down your neck
- a high fever with facial swelling, or you feel very unwell
- a serious injury to your face, jaw or head, or bleeding that will not stop
Do not wait to reach us first.
- During office hours
- Mon 8 am to 3 pm; Tue 8 am to 6 pm; Wed 8 am to 3 pm; Thu 8 am to 3 pm; Fri 8 am to 6 pm
- Call 804-262-9563
- After hours
- Call the office and follow the instructions on the message. If it cannot wait until morning, go to an emergency room or urgent care.
A knocked-out adult tooth
- Hold it by the crown. Do not touch the root or scrub it.
- Rinse briefly if dirty and put it back in the socket if you can.
- Otherwise keep it moist in milk or saliva.
- Call your dentist or us immediately. Minutes matter.
- If you cannot reach a dentist right away, go to an emergency room and bring the tooth.
Severe pain or swelling
Throbbing pain, pain that keeps you awake, or swelling in the gum or face can mean infection. Call us the same day. If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or is spreading toward your eye or neck, call 911 or go to an emergency room.
A broken or cracked tooth
Save any pieces and call. Sharp pain on biting can signal a crack. About crowns
A tooth pushed in or out
Do not force it back. It needs to be repositioned and stabilized.
Staying comfortable until you are seen
- Rinse with warm water for sore teeth and gums.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed.
- Hold an ice pack against the outside of your cheek.
- A numbing gel with benzocaine can help; use it as the package directs.
- Avoid very hot or cold food and drinks, and do not chew on the sore side.
- A warm heating pad can ease jaw pain.
- If a broken tooth has a sharp edge, cover it with a little dental wax or cotton to protect your cheek and tongue.
Emergencies that do not hurt
Some problems need attention even without pain. A cracked tooth may not hurt at first but can damage the nerve over time, and a small bump or pimple on the gum that comes and goes is often a sign of infection. Broken fillings, a lost crown, and swollen or sore gums should also be checked promptly.
Questions people ask us
How soon can I be seen?
Call as early in the day as you can and tell us what is happening. We will find you the soonest time we can.
What if it happens after hours?
Call the office and follow the instructions on the message. If you cannot reach us and it cannot wait until morning, go to an emergency room or urgent care. For trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, a high fever with facial swelling, or a serious injury to the face, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Your next visit starts with a call
Call the office and we will find a time that works for you and your family. New patients are always welcome.