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Dental Emergencies: What to do before going to the dentist

Woman with a toothache

When disaster strikes and you’re faced with a dental emergency, don’t panic. With advances in dental technology most dental emergencies can be treated quickly. First things first, if you experience a dental emergency, it is important to try to see your dentist as soon as possible. If the accident happens when your dental practice is not open go straight to the emergency room if the accident is severe. If you are wondering what to do right after a dental emergency happens, here are some quick tips to help you while in route or while waiting to be seen by your dentist.

If you or a loved one knock’s out a permanent or adult tooth, or even a dental implant, it’s important to keep it moist. You can place the dislodged tooth between your cheek and gum, in a glass of milk or in a tooth preservation product. For a cracked tooth, try rinsing your mouth with warm water to thoroughly clean the area. If the compromised tooth is causing discomfort, try placing a cold compress on your face.

Severe toothaches may require an emergency appointment. If a tooth is causing major discomfort and you don’t know why, gently clean the area with warm water. Carefully use dental floss to remove any food or debris surrounding the tooth. If the pain persists, call your dentist.

Some dental emergencies don’t involve the teeth, rather the tongue, cheek or lip. If you accidently bite through your tongue, cheek or lip, gently clean the area with water and apply a cold compress. You may want to go to the emergency room for stitches.

If you think you have a broken jaw, apply a cold compress to help control any swelling and go straight to the dentist or the emergency room. Anytime you have an object stuck in your mouth or between your teeth, you can try swishing with warm water or using floss to dislodge. Don’t ever try to remove a stuck item with a sharp object.

The best way to avoid dental emergencies include wearing a protective mouth guard when playing sports, avoid chewing hard things that can crack your teeth like popcorn kernels, hard candy, pen caps or ice. Remember your teeth are not meant to be a bottle or bag opener, they are also not designed to cut things. Next time you need to remove that tag from a new shirt, grab the scissors instead of using your pearly whites.

Posted on behalf of Mitzi D. Morris

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

Phone: 678-459-2990

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

Our Patient Reviews

Mitzi D. Morris, DMD, PC

4.8/ 5.0

Based on 44 reviews

  • Dr. Morris is an excellent dentist. Her ability to relate to her patients makes her a stand-out amongst those in her profession. She practices dentistry with superior technique and care. Her staff is friendly, helpful, and accommodating. I feel she hires only the best! One special mention: I suffer from panic attacks at times- along with claustrophobia. Dr. Morris is the first dentist I have ever had who helped calm my fears. Thus, my experience exceeded expectations! Great service!

    Cathy Q
  • Definitely would recommend Dr. Morris to anyone. She has been my dentist for over 8 years! Dr. Morris is extremely personable and is serious about the completing the best care possible. Great established dental team! Very accommodating to your schedule.

    Kelly T
  • Great and very educational experience. Compared to my last two dentists this experience blows them both out of the water. The staff is very friendly, and very helpful. I had to go in for a total of four visits a few weeks apart from each other. They made me feel very comfortable the entire time and kept making sure I was pleased. Getting a deep cleaning went very smoothly. It was also brought to my attention that the way I was flossing was incorrect. And have since changed methods. I worked specifically with Dr. Morris. She was very nice, and took the time to explain things. Which is a huge plus for me. Dr. Morris and the staff members worked effortlessly together. I was comfortable enough to sit back and relax, strangely enough, while having cavities drilled and fillings put in. Billing and scheduling appointments, as well as follow up for confirmation of upcoming appointments was very easy. I will say my favorite part of the experience was how friendly of an environment the staff has created. That alone is deserving of a 5 star review, and the rest is honestly icing on the cake. I highly recommend this practice on all fronts and will continue using them!

    Eric F
  • I transferred from a long-term and very good relationship with my former dentist because of a move, and I was a little apprehensive about a new dentist. Dr. Morris has been great. She is friendly, patient-concerned and the office is new, comfortable and clean. Everyone seems to enjoy working there. I feel like I'm in good hands!

    Christopher P
  • Dr. Morris and her staff are very professional. Additionally, she as well as her staff have an excellent "bedside manner." The office is new and well equipped. If one has an appointment and an earlier one opens up, Dr. Morris offers it to her patients as she did with my last appointment.

    David G
  • I have never met a staff so nice and charming. This staff will make you feel comfortable and relaxed in Dr. Morris's Spa like office and everyone is professional and approachable too. Andrea R. explained the process of my appointment and procedures and is definitely a highly-educated and thorough dental hygenist -- SHE IS A ROCKSTAR. I'm so glad that Dr. Morris and her dental team have been my "go-to" for the last 5 years, and I wont be going anywhere else! Overall - A++ Dr. Morris...highly recommended to my family and friends!!!

    Adam O
  • I've been a patient of Dr. Mitzi Morris for many years, and recommend her without reservation. The office is modern. clean and spacious. The staff has always been welcoming and very helpful. And the women who work for her as dental technicians are fantastic; they do a professional and effective deep cleaning, but with a careful, gentle touch. It is clear to me that Dr. Morris reads her professional journals and upgrades her practice to stay very current with the latest best practices in dentistry. (I have had some dentists who stopped updating their practices after leaving dental school!) With Dr. Morris you can count on receiving the very latest dental technology. Her prices are very fair, and I have never been surprised by an unexpected cost or had problems with insurance not covering services rendered.

    Bruce C
  • I have never experienced an office so down to earth, so outgoing and so willing to satisfy. If you've grown to dread the dentist then lay down your sword and give this office a shot.

    Marc Mamane

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Contact Us

Phone

678-459-2990

Office Hours

Monday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday: 7:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 3:00 pm

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Address

1295 Hembree Rd, Suite B202
Roswell, GA 30076

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