Dental Emergency Services

Please call (503) 661-2600

When To Call Your Dentist

If you’re not sure if a dental problem is an emergency, dentists offer this advice: If it hurts, it’s an emergency. This is because even injuries that seem small or superficial can affect the living tissues inside the teeth. Quick treatment improves the odds of saving injured or damaged teeth. Even if you aren’t in much pain, any structural damage to a tooth – from a sports injury, for example – should be considered an emergency. Chips or fractures can affect the living tissue inside the tooth, causing more problems in the future. Your dentist can prevent the damage from getting worse. The same is true of a lost filling or crown. Even if you don’t have any symptoms, the tooth has lost its support and it could easily become weaker. Pieces could break off or crumble, and you would need more extensive treatment. If you see your dentist right away, there’s a good chance he or she will be able to repair the damage with minimal treatment.

Our practice, Gresham Family Dentistry, is deeply committed to providing you with the care you deserve. We’ll give you individualized attention and take the time to fully explain your treatment options so you can make informed decisions about your dental health. And at our practice, you’ll have a lot to choose from! We’re full-service office, featuring complete, comprehensive care.

Top 6 Tips for Managing Dental Emergencies

1. Toothaches
Never put any pain killers, including aspirin, on the gum because it can burn the gum tissue. Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be caught there. If your tooth continues to hurt, you should call your dentist as soon as possible. A toothache can result from several dental problems. Regular dental check ups and dental cleanings can help prevent toothaches
2. Broken Tooth
If your tooth breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist immediately. You should also clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling.
3. Possible Broken Jaw
If you think that your jaw might be broken, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. You will need to see your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
4. Knocked Out Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse the tooth off very gently to make sure it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to it, as it may cause cells to die. Be sure to place a towel or wash cloth in the sink so that it does not go down the drain. If you can, gently place the tooth back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container with water or cup of milk. You will need to take the tooth with you and get to your dentist immediately.
5. Bitten Tongue or Lip
If you have bitten your tongue or lip, gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding will not stop, you should go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.
6. Something Caught Between Your Teeth
Gently insert a piece of dental floss or a dental flosser. Be very careful not to cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove the object, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp object to try and remove something that is stuck in between your teeth.