Emergency Treatment

Baker & Graham

Overview

Regular dental care helps prevent dental emergencies, but nothing can stop the unexpected from happening. Here are some of the more common dental emergencies and what you can do until you can get to our office. If you are in pain, DO NOT wait to make an appointment. We will be happy to see you as soon as possible for emergency treatment in Hattiesburg. If this is an after-hours emergency, please call our emergency line.

Toothache

Several issues can cause a toothache or sensitivity, including hidden cavities, tooth cracks, or nerve damage. Contact us as soon as you feel any pain—minor discomfort can quickly escalate to severe swelling. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort temporarily until your appointment. Your dentist will determine the cause and provide the appropriate in-office treatment.

Broken Teeth

Strong force can break teeth at any time, especially during contact sports. Teeth with large fillings break more easily. If you break a tooth, call your dentist right away for an evaluation and restoration. Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to serious problems.

Teeth Knocked Out

If you knock out a tooth, call your dentist immediately. Place the tooth—if you find it—in water or wrap it in a wet towel or cloth. Avoid scrubbing or washing the tooth. Reposition the tooth as quickly as possible to improve the chances of saving it. Every minute counts.

Loss of Crown or Bridge

If your crown or bridge falls out, it is important to see your dentist as soon as possible to have it re-cement, if doing so is possible. Please do not attempt to perform this on your own with any over-the-counter products, as crowns or bridges that are not set properly can cause severe issues to themselves or surrounding teeth.

Broken Partial or Denture

If your denture or partials breaks in any way, bring it in to your dentist for repair. Please do not try to repair the denture yourself (especially with super glue or similar materials) as it may cause more damage to the denture.

Swollen Gums

Swollen gums are a sign of gum disease and infection. Contact your dentist as soon as you notice the pain, as the underlying cause of the swelling, when untreated, can lead to loss of teeth, damage to the jawbone, and severe facial pain/swelling. To alleviate pain before your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater.

Lost Filling

If your filling falls out, remove it from your mouth right away so that you don’t accidentally swallow it or chew down on it. Call your dentist right away to get the filling replaced as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep your mouth clean and brush very gently. Rinse with warm saltwater or mouthwash. To prevent food particles and other bacteria from entering the tooth, avoid chewing on that side. You can also use dental wax to fill the void until your appointment.