Please call 775-824-2323 in the event of a dental emergency. If it is after hours, you will be prompted to our after-hours emergency care. A Pediatric Specialist is on-call 24/7.

Knowing what steps to take during a dental emergency can make a difference between losing and keeping a tooth. The first step is always to remain calm. Here are some suggestions for treating dental emergencies:

• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth – If the tooth has been knocked-out, it needs to be cleaned. Hold it by the crown under running water, and replace it in the socket. The sooner this is done the better, as the tissues that attach teeth to bone dry out and die over time. If the tooth is replaced with 30 minutes, it has a higher chance of reattaching itself. Once the tooth is back in the socket, the child should bite down normally to ensure proper positioning. Call us immediately after this is done. If the tooth cannot be replaced immediately, it should be placed in milk. If milk isn’t available, store it in the child’s mouth between their cheek and teeth. Your child should see us immediately.
• Knocked Out Baby Tooth – Contact us.  This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.
• Toothache – Clean the area of the affected tooth.  Rinse mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted.  If the pain still exists, contact our office.  Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth.  If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact us immediately.
• Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth – Contact us immediately.  Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.  Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.  If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to see us.
• Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth – Contact our office.
• Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek – Clean any blood off the area with a damp cloth. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and apply pressure to reduce bleeding. If bleeding continues, go to the nearest hospital.