Dental pain and injuries rarely give any warning. If you need emergency dental care in Olathe, we will do our best to see you quickly, often the same day. Our hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
When you call (913) 780-0011, tell us what happened, when it started and how you feel. We will help decide how soon you need care.
What to Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
The right first step depends on what happened. Here is what to do while you reach us.
A Knocked-Out Adult Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth needs attention right away. The sooner it is seen, the better the chance of saving it.
Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you normally see in your mouth. Try not to touch the root.
If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Do not scrub it or wipe off any tissue attached to it.
If you feel comfortable, gently set the tooth back into its socket facing the right way. Do not force it.
If you cannot put it back, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-saving solution and bring it with you.
Call us right away and get to a dentist quickly. Do not lose time trying to put the tooth back if you are not sure how.
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be pushed back in, because that can damage the adult tooth growing underneath.
A Chipped or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. If there is swelling, hold a cold compress against the outside of your face. Save any pieces of tooth you can find and bring them along.
If a sharp edge is rubbing your tongue or cheek, a little dental wax can cover it for now. Call us so we can check the damage and decide how soon you should be seen.
A Bad Toothache
A strong or lasting toothache can come from deep decay, an inflamed nerve, an infection, or another problem with the tooth.
Until you can be seen, you can:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Hold a cold compress on the outside of your face if it helps.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs, if it is safe for you.
Do not put aspirin or any pain pill right on the tooth or gum. It can burn the gum and does nothing for the cause.
Call us to set up an exam and find out what treatment may be needed. Do not wait for a bad toothache to fade on its own.
A Lost Filling or Crown
If a crown comes off, keep it and bring it with you. Depending on the crown and the tooth underneath, it may be possible to put it back on.
If a filling falls out, the tooth may be sensitive and easier to damage. Chew on the other side and skip foods or drinks that set off sensitivity. Temporary filling material from a drugstore can help cover the spot until you are seen.
Do not use household glue or super glue to hold a crown in place. Call us so we can check the tooth and plan the next step.
Swelling in the Face or Jaw
Swelling around a tooth, the gums or the jaw can be a sign of infection that needs quick attention. Call us right away if swelling is new or getting worse.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have severe swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading quickly toward your eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop. A fever or feeling very sick along with dental swelling also needs urgent medical care. Do not wait for a dental appointment if you could have a serious infection.
What Happens at an Emergency Dental Visit?
First, we find out what is causing the problem and take care of what needs attention right away. That usually means examining the area and taking digital X-rays when they are needed.
Once Dr. Tony has looked at the tooth or injury, he will explain what he found, go over your treatment options, and review the expected cost before anything is done.
Sometimes the problem can be fully treated at the same visit. Other times the goal is to ease the pain or stabilize the tooth first and then plan the rest of the care.
Either way, you will know what needs attention, what we can do that day, and what comes next.
Why It Pays to Get Dental Problems Checked Early
Dental problems tend to get more involved the longer they wait. A cavity can grow until the tooth needs a root canal, and a cracked tooth may end up needing a dental crown. If a tooth becomes too damaged to repair, an extraction may be the only option left.
Pain going away does not always mean the problem has healed. The nerve inside a tooth can stop working while an infection is still there.
Having the tooth checked soon helps find the cause, keeps more of your options open, and can stop some problems from growing. If something hurts, breaks, swells or suddenly feels different, give us a call instead of waiting to see what happens.
Call Your Olathe Dentist Today
If you are having a dental emergency, call (913) 780-0011 during office hours and tell us what is going on. We make every effort to see urgent dental needs as quickly as we can.
If you have a possibly life-threatening emergency, go to the ER or call 911 rather than waiting for the office to open.
Ready to Schedule Your First Visit?
We are happy to welcome new patients to Your Olathe Dentist on S Lone Elm Rd in Olathe. If you have questions about your first visit, insurance, or what to expect, give our team a call.
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