A dental emergency is any situation requiring immediate attention to save a tooth, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or alleviate severe pain. This includes knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, broken or cracked teeth, loose teeth, soft tissue injuries, lost fillings or crowns, and abscesses. If you're experiencing any of these issues, contact us immediately.

Time is critical - contact us immediately. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it with water if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket if possible. If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk or saliva. Get to our office within 30-60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Dr. Hickson understands that dental emergencies can't wait. We make every effort to see emergency patients the same day, often within hours. We reserve time in our schedule specifically for urgent cases and will do everything possible to accommodate your emergency promptly.

We provide emergency contact information for urgent situations that occur after hours, on weekends, or holidays. Call our office number and follow the prompts to reach our emergency line. We'll guide you through immediate care steps and arrange treatment as quickly as possible.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid very hot or cold foods and don't place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth. Contact us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Save any pieces of the tooth if possible. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and take over-the-counter pain medication if needed. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheek. Call us right away for an emergency appointment.

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency care, though the extent of coverage varies by plan. We'll verify your benefits and discuss costs before treatment when possible. For true emergencies, getting prompt care to save your tooth or relieve severe pain should be the priority. Our team will help you understand your financial options.

Severe tooth pain is often a sign of infection or significant decay that requires immediate attention. While you might be tempted to wait, dental infections can spread and worsen quickly. If you're experiencing intense, persistent pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth, contact us immediately rather than waiting.

Contact us as soon as possible to schedule an appointment. In the meantime, keep the crown if you have it. You can temporarily reattach a crown with dental cement or even toothpaste, but this is only a short-term solution. For a lost filling, dental wax or sugarless gum can provide temporary protection until we can restore the tooth properly.

A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment. Dr. Hickson will drain the abscess to eliminate the infection, and may prescribe antibiotics. Depending on the severity, treatment may include root canal therapy to save the tooth or extraction if necessary. Abscesses won't heal on their own and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution. Use a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site for 15-20 minutes. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If bleeding doesn't stop or the injury is severe, contact us immediately or visit an emergency room.

Regular preventive care with Dr. Hickson helps identify potential problems before they become emergencies. Wear a mouthguard during sports, avoid chewing ice or hard objects, don't use your teeth as tools, and maintain good oral hygiene. While not all emergencies can be prevented, these steps significantly reduce your risk.