If after hours, a representative from our "live answering service" will answer your call and get you the care that you need.
Common Issues
Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. You should not place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling and infection, apply a cold compress to the area and call to receive a prescription for antibiotics. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen or ibuprofen is recommended.
Next Steps: Call to schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure and/or sutures are needed to close the wound go seek treatment in a hospital emergency room.
Next Steps: If bleeding does not stop with pressure go to the hospital emergency room.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. If possible, recover any broken tooth fragments and wrap them in a wet gauze or tissue. Call to determine if there is a need for immediate care.
Next Steps: Call our office at 978 535 2500 or determine if immediate care is necessary.
Permanent Tooth Knocked Out of Position
Rinse the area with warm water. Place a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Call the office and/or seek dental care immediately.
Next Steps: Call our office at 978 535 2500 or seek dental care immediately.
Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
The most important thing to do is to remain calm. Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not rub to clean the root or handle the tooth more than is necessary. If you have the tooth, you should attempt to insert it back into its socket and then contact us immediately. If you have difficulty re-inserting the tooth, place it in a glass of milk and contact us immediately.
Next Steps: Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.
Primary (Baby) Tooth Knocked Out or Displaced From its Position
Attempt to clean the area with warm water. Do Not reinsert the tooth into the socket. Leave the tooth out and if there are no extensive cuts requiring sutures or prolonged bleeding, call us during office hours to schedule a visit.
Next Steps: Call us during office hours to schedule a visit.
Dark Colored Primary (Baby) Tooth
A gray or purple stained baby front tooth is usually the result of injury to that tooth. It is the equivalent of a "black and blue" (bleeding from the tooth's pulp tissue) and usually becomes evident approximately two weeks after the injury. No initial treatment is necessary unless it is followed by infection.
Next Steps: Call us during office hours to schedule a visit.
Bleeding After a Primary Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 to 20 minutes. Do not rinse because that will interfere with the clotting process and promote continued bleeding.
Next Steps: If bleeding still continues, please call.
Loose Primary (Baby) Tooth
Encourage your child to "wiggle" the tooth to have it fall out. Over-retained primary teeth often cause the permanent teeth to erupt out of place and therefore it is best for the primary teeth to come out as soon as they get very loose. When the tooth is very loose, extraction is usually not needed, but extraction might be necessary if the tooth is firm and the permanent tooth is erupting out of position.
Next Steps: Call us during office hours to schedule a visit if extraction is necessary.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief.
Next Steps: Call us during office hours to schedule a visit if the lesion does not appear to heal within 10 days, if pain persists or swelling occurs.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue. Call us. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Next Steps: Call us during office hours to schedule a visit.