What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Perrysburg Guide
A dental emergency rarely comes at a good time. Knowing what to do in the first hour can ease the pain, and sometimes save a tooth. Here's a simple guide from the team at New View Dental in Perrysburg.
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading quickly, a high fever with facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a possible broken jaw.
For everything else, call us at 419-442-7700. We offer same-day emergency visits, including for new patients. Our hours are Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm.
Is it a dental emergency?
Call a dentist the same day if you have:
Severe or throbbing tooth pain
A broken, cracked or knocked-out tooth
Swelling in your gums, face or jaw
A pimple-like bump on the gums or a bad taste that won't go away (possible infection)
A lost filling or crown that leaves a sharp or painful tooth
A painful wisdom tooth
A small chip with no pain, or mild sensitivity, can usually wait for a regular appointment. If you're not sure, call and ask.
What to do right now
Toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling. Don't put aspirin or other painkillers directly on your gums; they can burn the tissue. Call us to schedule a visit, because pain often means a problem that needs treatment.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with water; don't scrub it. If you can, gently put it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If not, keep it moist in a small container of milk or inside your cheek, and call us right away. Don't try to put a baby tooth back in.
Broken or cracked tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. Use a cold compress for swelling. Avoid chewing on that side until you've been seen.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it, and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on the tooth. Don't glue a crown back on with household glue.
Swelling or signs of infection
Dental infections don't usually go away without treatment. Call us the same day. If swelling spreads toward your eye or neck, or you have trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency room.
What happens at your emergency visit
We listen. Tell us what happened and where it hurts.
We look. We examine the area and take any images we need. Our office has cone beam 3D imaging when a closer look is needed.
We relieve the pain. We'll explain your options and the cost before treatment starts.
We plan next steps. Some problems are fixed in one visit; others need a follow-up.
Nervous about dental work? We offer laughing gas and oral sedation (oral sedation requires a driver), and we use The Wand for more comfortable numbing.
After hours, Fridays and weekends
Our office is open Monday–Thursday, 9am–4pm. If something happens outside those hours, call our office line at 419-442-7700 for instructions. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How to prevent the next emergency
Keep up with regular checkups so small problems are found early.
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
Don't chew ice, hard candy or pens, or open packages with your teeth.
Ask us about a night guard if you grind or clench.
Paying for emergency care
We work with Paramount, Delta Dental, Cigna, Always Care, Ameritas, Anthem BCBS, Guardian, Humana, MetLife, Principal, Sun Life and United Concordia, and we offer financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Sunbit. See payment plans and insurance.
Need help today?
New View Dental is at 27072 Carronade Dr, Suite C, Perrysburg, OH 43551. We serve Perrysburg and nearby Maumee, Rossford and Toledo. Learn more about emergency dental care at New View Dental.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Call your dentist or doctor about your specific situation.
