Emergency Problems

In the event of an emergency during our business hours please call us at 603-357-6767.
We will attempt to see existing patients with emergency problems within 24 hours.
We welcome New Patients with emergency problems!

(*If you have an emergency that cannot wait,  please see your local hospital emergency room)

Emergency Info

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning gently around the sore tooth.  Do not  apply any pressure on the sore tooth and modify your diet to soft food, chewing carefully on the opposite side.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES use aspirin on the aching tooth or gum.  For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or  advil (Ibuprofen) can be used in accordance with manufacturer’s  instruction,  provided you are not allergic or intolerant to these over-the-counter medications.

Facial Swelling

The severity of this situation is often under-estimated.  Often it indicates severe infection,  abscess, and/or fracture.  This can result in blood poisoning (septicemia) and untreated can make you deathly sick.  DO NOT RANDOMLY take antibiotics as this can actually make you resistant to appropriate treatment.  See Dr. Ross or the emergency room as soon as possible.  A cold compress can be applied to the area for temporary pain relief.  (Be careful not to freeze the skin by limiting application to 5 minutes at a time)

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be briefly applied to any bruised areas.  For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.  If bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room or contact 911.

Broken Braces and Wires

Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.  Remove a broken appliance or wire 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.  See Dr. Ross or your Orthodontist as soon as possible.

Knocked  Out  Permanent  Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top), and try not to touch or disturb the root portion.  Rinse with water, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.  Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold in place using a gauze or cloth to cover it.  If  the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water.  Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of a jaw injury,  tie the mouth gently closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief.
Do not eat and minimize jaw movement/talking.  Go immediately to an emergency room or call 911

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out

Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over bleeding area.  Bite down on gauze for 15 minutes and limit activity.  With the very young be careful to observe that the gauze does not present a choking risk.  If bleeding continues or swelling occurs contact Dr. Ross. Or your local emergency room

Unsightly and Painful Cold and Canker Sores

Over the counter medications are available in the pharmacy that will provide temporary relief.  There are prescription medications that Dr. Ross can prescribe to limit the duration and intensity of your outbreak.