An unexpected "dental situation" can be unsettling for patients. When you call us to arrange an appointment about a dental concern, we will use the answers to the following questions to provide you the appropriate timely attention to your concern:
1) Have you had an accident or trauma to your face, teeth or jaw? If so, are you bleeding?
2) Are you in pain? If so, do you know the source of the pain (tooth, gums, jaw)? Is it improving or worsening? When did it start?
3) Can you feel anything different in your mouth (broken tooth or filling)?
4) Are you experiencing any signs of infection (swelling, bad taste, pus)?
True dental emergencies (trauma, worsening signs of infection, uncontrollable bleeding) will be seen as soon as possible. Please call the clinic and leave a detailed message and we will get back to you right away. After hours emergencies (only trauma, worsening signs of infection, uncontrollable bleeding) should call Dr. Hennessy on her cell (902-300-9075).
While a broken tooth or filling is uncomfortable, it is rarely an emergency. Your tongue will convince you that what it feels is massive and dire! However, tongues are great exaggerators. While you wait to be seen you can use the following tips to keep your tongue from driving you around the bend!
• sterilize a nail file (boil in water for 2 minutes) and use to smooth any rough or sharp edges
• use dental/ortho wax (in the oral health section at the drug store) to fill in any spaces caused by the break
1) Have you had an accident or trauma to your face, teeth or jaw? If so, are you bleeding?
2) Are you in pain? If so, do you know the source of the pain (tooth, gums, jaw)? Is it improving or worsening? When did it start?
3) Can you feel anything different in your mouth (broken tooth or filling)?
4) Are you experiencing any signs of infection (swelling, bad taste, pus)?
True dental emergencies (trauma, worsening signs of infection, uncontrollable bleeding) will be seen as soon as possible. Please call the clinic and leave a detailed message and we will get back to you right away. After hours emergencies (only trauma, worsening signs of infection, uncontrollable bleeding) should call Dr. Hennessy on her cell (902-300-9075).
While a broken tooth or filling is uncomfortable, it is rarely an emergency. Your tongue will convince you that what it feels is massive and dire! However, tongues are great exaggerators. While you wait to be seen you can use the following tips to keep your tongue from driving you around the bend!
• sterilize a nail file (boil in water for 2 minutes) and use to smooth any rough or sharp edges
• use dental/ortho wax (in the oral health section at the drug store) to fill in any spaces caused by the break