Emergency Dentist Albuquerque

Be Calm & Collected in a Dental Emergency

No one is immune from a dental emergency. A stray ball. A fall from a bike or a skateboard. Mouth pain that seems to come out of nowhere.

When an emergency dental situation strikes, it is always unexpected, but you can be prepared. That will make the difference between whether you panic and possibly waste valuable time or get through the event with a cool head and make all the right decisions.

At Uptown Dental Associates, we understand that these things happen and prompt treatment is vital. If you are an existing patient, we will fit you in for a same-day appointment. Even if you’ve never been to our office before, we can usually see you right away.

If you or a family member experience a dental emergency in Albuquerque, NM, one of your first steps should be to call Uptown Dental Associates at (505) 219-4548.

It’s an Emergency. Now What?

Dental emergencies take a variety of forms, and it can be tough to know exactly what to do until you are able to get to our office. Here is how to handle a few common situations.

If your tooth is knocked out of your mouth but remains intact, we may be able to reattach it. It’s important that you touch it by the crown only — never the root — and keep it moist in a small cup of saliva or milk. Use water only as a last resort, though you may gently swish it in some water if it’s dirty. If you are able to do so safely and comfortably, you may even put the tooth back in its socket, making sure it’s facing the right direction.

If your tooth is cracked or chipped, save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water and stop bleeding by applying pressure with clean gauze or a tea bag. A cold compress applied to the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling and pain. You may also take an OTC pain reliever.

If you have a toothache, remove any stuck food with dental floss. Rinse with warm water. Use a cold compress or pain medication to help relieve discomfort.

A crown that comes off should be slipped back over the tooth until you get in to see us. Dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive can help it stick.

In the event you lose a filling, the cavity can be temporarily covered with temporary dental cement or even a bit of sugarless — sugarless being the keyword — gum.

Preventing an Emergency

Not all dental emergencies can be prevented, but there are things you can do to minimize the chances of one happening to you.

  • Practice good oral hygiene and visit us regularly so your teeth and gums remain healthy and in the best possible condition.
  • Wear an athletic mouthguard for contact sports and other potentially dangerous activities.  
  • Avoid using your teeth for anything but chewing food. Don’t use them to open packages, nibble on your nails, or remove clothing tags. Avoid crunching down on ice and other hard things.

And remember: if a dental emergency does occur, one of your first steps should be to call Uptown Dental Associates of Albuquerque, NM at (505) 219-4548.

We also have a convenient online form to schedule less urgent appointments.