Emergencies

If your child has experienced a dental emergency please call the office so we can address your specific concerns and make an appointment if appropriate. If the emergency occurs outside of office hours, you will be able to reach Dr. Mego through our office phone number.

Knocked Out Tooth

If an adult tooth has been knocked out, it is important that you contact us as quickly as possible. In general, we do not recommend re-implanting baby teeth because this can cause damage to the developing adult tooth.

Here are recommended steps if an adult tooth has been knocked out:

  • Recover the tooth, handling it carefully by holding the crown. Avoid touching the root.

  • Remove dirt and debris by rinsing the tooth gently without scrubbing.
  • Using gentle finger pressure, re-insert the tooth into the empty tooth socket.

  • If re-insertion is not possible, place the tooth in cold milk or saliva. 
  • Do not allow the tooth to dry out in transit to the office. It is critical for the survival of the tooth that it stay moist.

Remember, the success of re-implantation of an adult tooth is much higher the less time that the tooth spends out of the mouth!

Fractured Tooth

A tooth fracture may involve the outer layers of the tooth (enamel and dentin) or extend to the blood vessels and nerves (pulp) that run down the middle of the tooth. A tooth fracture which extends to the pulp requires immediate treatment in order to give the tooth the best chance of remaining healthy. If you see the tooth bleeding from the center (not from the gums), it is important that your child be seen right away.

Loose/Displaced Tooth

A loose tooth may be a sign that the tooth is fractured beneath the gumline. An X-ray will help to determine the best course of treatment. On the way to the office, have your child bite gently on a washcloth to apply gentle pressure to the tooth.

Swelling & Infection

Swelling of the gums or face can be a sign of dental infection. It can appear as a small bump above the affected tooth or as facial swelling that extends outside of the mouth. Antibiotics may be indicated if the infection is causing fever, pain, extensive swelling, and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Oral Pain

Oral pain can come from a variety of different sources: canker sores, hot/cold stimulus, a filling left too high, a cavity or infection, or trauma. Tylenol and Ibuprofen (in appropriate doses for your child) are very effective at relieving dental pain.

Call the office and we can discuss the best options for your particular circumstances.