If you're experiencing a dental emergency, take these steps before your appointment:
- For a cracked or broken tooth — Rinse your mouth with warm water. Applying a cold compress to your face will help control swelling. If you find broken tooth pieces, bring them with you to your appointment.
- For toothache or pain — Rinse with warm saltwater. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen as directed on the package. Avoid aspirin if you're experiencing bleeding.
- For swelling — Apply a cold compress to your cheek in 20-minute intervals. Swelling can be a sign of infection, which requires prompt treatment.
- For an object stuck between teeth — Gently try to remove it with dental floss. Never use sharp objects like pins or knives to poke at it.
- For bleeding — Apply gentle pressure with a piece of gauze or a tea bag to the area for 15–20 minutes.
- Knocked-out tooth — Rinse the tooth gently if dirty, but don’t touch the root or any attached tissue. Try placing it back in its socket, but don’t force it. Otherwise, keep the root moist by placing it between your cheek and gums or in a container of milk or saliva. Don't use water. The faster you see us (ideally within an hour), the better chance we have of saving the tooth.
Call our emergency dentist in Pampa at (806) 665-0921 as soon as possible so we can provide further guidance and schedule you for the earliest available appointment.