Dr. Carmichael Offers Emergency Services

Please call us in case of an emergency! Before you come to our office, we ADVISE you on instant self-treatment in the following emergency cases:

Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you 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 or ibuprofen is recommended. See us as soon as possible.  Facial swelling may be a sign of abscess and potentially life threatening oral facial infection. Usually, once the source of the infection, the tooth, is removed the infection will subside. Occasionally, if the abscess is severe enough I.V. antibiotics and hospital admission may be necessary.  

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, please call us or go to an emergency room.

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; see us immediately. 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, if possible, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. 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 Hanks Balanced Salt Solution.  Often this is available from the pharmacy as “Save-A-Tooth®”.  If this cannot be obtained milk may be substituted or water. Water is less favorable than milk but better than letting the tooth dry out.  Because time is essential, see us immediately. Baby teeth that are knocked out prematurely do not need to be reinserted and harm may be caused to the underlying permanent teeth by so doing. 

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, please call us.

Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, please call us.