Dental emergencies are never convenient or timely.

At Kauai Dental Care we are committed to our patients’ dental health no matter what time of the day or night it is. If you are our patient and have a dental emergency after regular office hours, please call us at 808.241.7464

Toothache

Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water, or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your dental office. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If your face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact us immediately, or go to the Wilcox Hospital walk-in clinic.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only to get off any loose dirt or debris. DO NOT CLEAN WITH SOAP, SCRUB, OR HANDLE the root of the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket with the proper orientation. Hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth, and the long-term viability of the tooth goes down drastically after being out of the socket over an hour.

Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth

Contact your dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.