When should I call the dentist?
You don’t have to wait until you are in pain to have a dental emergency. If you have swelling, bleeding, a broken tooth, a broken crown or a broken veneer then it is time to call.

If you are not sure if you have an emergency you can call and speak with Dr. Cohen.
Emergencies happen and Dr Cohen can help.

Accident or Trauma
If you have been injured in an accident, playing sports or any other type of trauma you should first make sure that you don’t have a medical emergency.

Tooth Knocked Out

Adult Instructions: If the tooth is loosely dislodged, apply light finger pressure to try to push the tooth back into its position. Do not apply a lot of pressure. If the tooth is completely out, place it between your cheek and gum and get to our office within one hour. After hours, call our after hours emergency line (949) 633-6871 and follow the emergency instructions. If you are afraid of swallowing the tooth, put it in a glass of cold milk or cold water and bring it with you. Do not rub or wipe the tooth off.

Children’s Instructions: Place the tooth in a glass of cold milk or cold water or gently wrap it in a clean, damp cloth and get to us within one hour. Call ahead so we can expect you. If it is after hours, call after hours emergency line (949) 633-6871 and follow the emergency instructions. Delaying more than an hour decreases the likelihood of successful reimplantation. Do not rub or wipe the tooth off.

Toothache

Pain is a sure indication that something is wrong. If trapped food is the source of the toothache, gently flossing the area to dislodge the food should give immediate relief. If the pain continues, you may try applying ice. (Wrap ice in a cloth. Apply on outside of cheek in area of pain for 20 minutes, then off 20 minutes.) DO NOT apply heat. DO NOT put aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. Call our office as soon as possible.

Broken Tooth

Gently clean the area with warm water. If a large part of your front tooth has broken off, save the broken piece if possible and bring it with you to our office. Take over-the-counter pain medications and call our office immediately. Emergency dental treatment may be the only relief from the pain. If you are not in pain, call us as soon as reasonably convenient for a cosmetic solution.

Crown Has Come Off

Whether it is temporary or permanent, save the crown or bridge. We will recement it if possible. If the tooth or crown is damaged, repairs will be necessary or a new crown could be required. Over-the-counter pain medications should ease any discomfort until you can be seen in our office.

Porcelain Veneer Has Come Off

If your porcelain veneer comes off, carefully remove the veneer from your mouth without damaging it further. Do not attempt to replace or re-cement a porcelain veneer. If the veneer is whole, Dr Cohen may be able to reattach it to your tooth.

If you are not sure what to do or are in need of urgent care call us at (949) 633-6871.