Services > Emergency Dentistry
Emergency Dentistry in North Andover
We understand that emergencies happen no matter how well-prepared we try to be. At Magnolia Dentistry in North Andover, our staff is ready for these unexpected moments and always set aside time to accommodate any patients with emergency needs. If you experience a dental emergency, call us at (978)-965-4315. Outside of our normal office hours, please leave a message, and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Some of the Ways to Deal with Common Dental Emergency
Here is what you can do at the time of common dental emergency:
- Toothache
First, make sure by flossing that there is no food debris between the teeth causing the pain. If there is a trigger that causes toothache such as hot and cold beverages, sweets or chewing, try to avoid the trigger. Also, placing a cold compress can help control swelling. Last, avoid putting aspirin on your gums next to the painful area.
- Abscess
Abscess is a small swelling near an infected tooth. If you have a toothache due to abscess, call us right away at (978)-965-4315. Abscess can be dangerous because the infection underneath can spread to your jaw and even to the bloodstream. In order to control the pain, warm salt water rinse and cold compress may be helpful. Also, antibiotics prescribed by the dentist may be needed to control the spread of swelling and infection.
- Broken Tooth
Collect any pieces from the chipped tooth and gently rinse with warm water to remove dirt. Keep the pieces in a cup of milk and take it with you to the dentist. If there is any bleeding, roll several pieces of gauze thick enough to put pressure when you bite on it to stop bleeding. Call our office at (978)-965-4315.
- Knocked Out Tooth
When an adult tooth (“grown up tooth”) is knocked out from its gums, gently hold the tooth by the crown and place the tooth in a clean container with “Save-a-tooth” kit, whole milk or keep the tooth between your cheeks to preserve the living tissue on the root of the tooth. With the “Save-a-tooth” kit, the tooth can be replanted within 24 hours. With milk or saliva, the tooth has only 1-2 hours before the tooth becomes unsalvageable. Call (978)-965-4315 to be seen by Dr. Lee right away. It is critical to see a dentist as soon as possible as there is only a short window of time that determines the prognosis of the tooth.
- Bleeding Tongue or Cheek from Biting
Mouth is one of the most vascular organs in your body because even the slightest cut can make bleeding heavily. Here are some recommended ways to control bleeding. First, gently rinse your mouth with cold water. Place pieces of gauze and apply strong, localized pressure for 10-15 min to stop bleeding. Avoid dabbing or taking off the gauze to check if the bleeding has stopped. Also, a moistened tea bag works well to stop bleeding. Wet a black tea bag with warm water, and then squeeze out excess water. Tannins in teas (black, green, white, oolong or herbal teas) have astringent effect and help with blood clotting by closing the blood vessels. Wrap the tea bag with gauze and use it to apply strong pressure on the bleeding site for 10-15 min. If the bleeding still does not stop, please seek medical help right away.