Emergency care in Springfield
Dental emergency? Call us.
Call our office at (417) 883-1415 during office hours. Below are first steps for common dental emergencies.
When to call us, and when to go to the ER
Call the office at (417) 883-1415 or (417) 605-7676. Our office is open Monday through Thursday, 7 am–3 pm.
If a toothache lasts more than a day, contact us for an appointment. For a broken tooth or a knocked out permanent tooth, see a dentist right away.
Go to an emergency room if bleeding from a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes. If you think your jaw may be broken, tie your mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief and go to an emergency room immediately.
Toothache
Start by cleaning carefully around the sore tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to dislodge any food trapped between your teeth. Do not place aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum.
If your face is swollen, apply a cold compress to the area. Acetaminophen is recommended for temporary pain relief.
Broken or knocked out teeth
For a broken tooth, rinse the area with warm water and put a cold compress over the outside of your face where the injury is. Recover any broken pieces of the tooth, and seek dental attention right away.
For a knocked out permanent tooth, find the tooth and hold it by the crown, the top, and not the root. Rinse it, but do not clean it or handle it more than necessary. Reinsert it in the socket and hold it in place with a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If it cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup of milk or water. Time is essential, so see a dentist immediately.
If a baby tooth falls out and the area bleeds, fold a piece of gauze, place it tightly over the area, and bite down on it for 15 minutes. If the bleeding continues, see a dentist.
Cuts, bites, and mouth sores
For a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek, apply ice to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
Over-the-counter medications usually give temporary relief from cold sores and canker sores. If sores persist, visit your dentist.
Is this right for me?
Call us if you:
- Have a toothache that lasts more than a day
- Have a broken tooth
- Have knocked out a permanent tooth
- Have a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek
- Have bleeding that continues after a baby tooth falls out
- Have a cold sore or canker sore that persists
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
- Call the office during our hours, Monday through Thursday.
- Follow the first steps for your situation, such as a cold compress for facial swelling or firm pressure with gauze for bleeding.
- For a broken tooth, recover any pieces. For a knocked out permanent tooth, reinsert it if you can, or carry it in a cup of milk or water.
- See a dentist right away for a broken tooth or a knocked out permanent tooth, since time is essential.
- Go to an emergency room for bleeding that will not stop or a possible broken jaw.
Questions we hear
Emergency care FAQs
What should I do for a toothache?
Clean carefully around the sore tooth and rinse with warm salt water to dislodge any trapped food. Do not place aspirin on the tooth or gum. Apply a cold compress if your face is swollen, and acetaminophen is recommended for temporary pain relief. Contact us for an appointment if the pain lasts more than a day.
What should I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it without cleaning or handling it more than necessary. Reinsert it in the socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or cloth. If it cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup of milk or water. Time is essential, so see a dentist immediately.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go to an emergency room if bleeding from a cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek does not stop with firm pressure or continues after 15 minutes, or if you think your jaw may be broken.
What are your office hours?
We are open Monday through Thursday, 7 am–3 pm, and closed Friday through Sunday. You can reach us at (417) 883-1415 or (417) 605-7676.
Ready when you are
Let’s make your next visit something to smile about.
New patients are welcome. Call us or send a request, and we will help you take the next comfortable step.
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