Emergency Dental Care
Are you having a dental emergency?
If you believe you are having a dental emergency, please contact us immediately at (712) 276-8391 for the Lakeport office, (712) 255-1440 for the Hamilton office, or (605) 356-2271 for the Elk Point office. If it is outside of our office hours or we were unable to answer the phone, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible.
Cost of a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies follow the same payment guidelines as normal dental practices. For a list of our accepted insurance providers, forms of payment, and all other payment information, visit our financial page.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are any dental problems that need immediate treatment to stop bleeding, save a tooth, treat a severe infection, or alleviate severe pain. Severe infections or tooth abscesses can be life-threatening and you should call your dentist immediately. If your dentist is unavailable, see urgent care at your nearest medical facility.
If any of the following statements apply to you, you are having a dental emergency and should contact us immediately.
- I had a tooth knocked out.
- My tooth has been chipped or cracked.
- My mouth is bleeding and won’t stop.
- I’m in extreme pain or am experiencing severe swelling in my gums, mouth, or jaw.
- I have a toothache and swelling in my cheeks or face.
- My jaw is injured.
- My teeth are extremely sensitive and the sensitivity will not subside.
- My tooth is loose or out of alignment.
Home Care for Dental Emergencies
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What if my tooth gets knocked out?
- Pick up the tooth by the top (crown), NOT by the root—do not touch the root.
- Rinse the tooth very gently with only water, no soaps or chemicals. Do NOT scrub the tooth.
- If possible, place the tooth back into the socket. Gently push it in with your fingers then hold it in place while trying to bite down.
- If you can’t place the tooth back into the socket, put it in a container with milk.
- Contact your dentist right away—the faster you act, the more likely it is that your tooth will be able to be reimplanted.
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What if my tooth is loose but still attached?
If you have a loose tooth or a tooth out of alignment, contact us right away to get an appointment setup as soon as possible. You can try to put the tooth back in its original position by very gently positioning the tooth with your fingers—do not force it. We will advise on if there is anything else you should do in the meantime, prior to your appointment.
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What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?
If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, contact your dentist right away. Chipped teeth that aren’t painful can usually be smoothed out or filled in at a regular dental appointment. A cracked tooth typically indicates that there’s damage to the inside of the tooth, as well as the outside. If your tooth is cracked please follow these steps, after contacting your dentist.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling
- Take acetaminophen (not aspirin) to alleviate pain
- Do NOT apply any pain medication—including Orajel—directly to the gums, as it can damage gum tissue
