What's Urgent vs. Non-Urgent?

Dental emergencies happen more often than parents realize. The good news is that most aren't as scary as they feel in the moment. Many turn out to be smaller issues that have been quietly building up over time.

Take a look at the list below to identify urgent situations from non-urgent ones. If something does come up, we're always here for your child & put your mind at ease.

PARENTS’ GUIDE TO DENTAL EMERGENCIES

TYPES OF DENTAL EMERGENCIES

Non-Urgent

  • Rinse the mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling of the soft tissues.

    Most tooth chips and fractures are not urgent and can easily be treated the next day.

    However, if the tooth fracture involve the nerve (if you see bleeding from the tooth, not the gums, the nerve has been involved), please give us a call.

  • Do not let any food or bacteria get into the hole that is now there to avoid infection risks. Rinsing with warm salt water often is recommended, as well as gently brushing the teeth after eating or drinking.

    Leaving a tooth exposed without its protective crown or filling increases the risk of decay, further damage, or fracture.

    Timely intervention can help preserve the tooth and prevent more extensive treatment in the future, so please call to schedule an appointment.

  • In most cases, a cut or bite to the tongue, lip, or cheek will not require stitches. Apply firm pressure to stop the bleeding. Clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling.

    However, if the bleeding lasts longer than 30 minutes and there is a severe pain and not better 2 hours after taking pain medicine, it likely warrants a trip to the emergency room to have the wound treated.

  • If your child has something caught between his or her teeth, use dental floss to remove it gently. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, please schedule an appointment.

  • If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled. A loose baby tooth is NOT an emergency, though children will sometimes make it seem urgent! If the child is unable to remove the tooth on their own and you wish to have Dr. Kwak assist, encourage your child to eat a soft diet and call to schedule an appointment.

Urgent

  • When dental trauma occurs, it’s not uncommon for teeth to become displaced– either forward, towards the lips, backward, towards the palate/tongue, or extruded out of the socket.

    This displacement can become permanent if the tooth is not re-positioned in a timely manner. This is of particular concern if the tooth displacement results in the inability to function (i.e. The child can no longer chew because the displaced tooth inhibits full closure)

    • The parent or child can attempt to reposition the tooth on their own and then hold the tooth in place by gently biting on a cloth or call the office to reposition the tooth.

    • If the family performed the repositioning it’s important to call immediately for an evaluation to determine the best course of action moving forward.

    • Displaced teeth often require a splint to stabilize the tooth during healing. Please follow up with an appointment.

  • The longer the tooth is out of the mouth the more likely it is that the vital cells of the ligament will die.

    Follow the protocol below in a timely manner.

    • Determine if the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. (DO NOT re-implant baby teeth!)

    • Only hold the tooth by the white part. Avoid touching the root. If dirty, rinse for 10 seconds under tap water.

    • Replant the tooth (stabilize the tooth by biting gently on a cloth) OR place the tooth in cold milk.

    • Call our office.

  • Monitor your child closely after a head injury.

    If your child experiences any of the listed symptoms, we recommend seeking immediate medical help by calling 911 or going to the nearest ER.

    These may be symptoms of concussion.

    • Loss of consciousness

    • Confusion

    • Nausea

    • Vomiting

AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES

Due to the high number of after-hours emergency calls, our emergency services are reserved for current patients of record ONLY. Additional fees may apply for emergency consultations and visits outside our regular office hours.

  1. Please review the list above and confirm you have an urgent dental emergency, and follow any care instructions provided.
    For all non-urgent emergencies, send us an email or call us during our regular office hours to schedule an appointment.

  2. For urgent emergencies, dial 281-947-6111 to connect to our after-hours emergency line. You will be asked to send in photos.

*If there is uncontrolled fever or bleeding, severe swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, an injury with a suspected bone fracture or concussion, or other medical emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.