Emergency Services
At Asheville Dental, we want to ensure our patients are well cared for—in and out of our office.
Dental Emergencies
If you are an existing Asheville Dental patient and are having a dental emergency, you may contact us at 828.277.5024. We want to ensure you receive prompt and compassionate care. This is a list of emergency conditions and immediate actions.
Emergency Conditions
Tooth Ache
Begin by completely cleaning around the sore tooth. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to remove any food trapped between teeth. DO NOT USE aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. See one of our dentists 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 a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken brace or wire only when it comes out easily. If it is stuck or painful to remove, cover any bulging edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue; see one of our dentists immediately. Note that emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Broken Tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention.
Knocked Out Permanent tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root (bottom). Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Because time is essential, see one of our dentists immediately.
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Other Emergency Conditions
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see one of our dentists immediately.
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.
