Dental Emergency

What it is:

Dental emergencies happen. Some dental emergencies require immediate treatment, while others can wait until Dr. Zaugg’s normal business hours. If you have a dental emergency, Dr. Zaugg should be the first person you call. It is important to know the difference between an emergency and urgent. Dr. Zaugg can help determine if a dental injury is an emergency and you need to be seen right away or if it is urgent and treatment can wait until the next business day. Dr. Zaugg reserves time in his schedule for emergencies and urgent injuries. It is important to let Dr. Zaugg know of any injuries and to schedule an appointment before it becomes a dental emergency.

What To Do If You Have A Dental Injury

• If during business hours, call the office and let one of Dr. Zaugg’s team members know what happened
• If after hours, call Dr. Zaugg’s emergency line (Call the office and leave a message for Dr. Zaugg.) Dr. Zaugg will return your call as soon as he can.
• When calling about your dental injury, please provide as much detail about the injury as possible
• Dr. Zaugg will help determine if your injury is an emergency and you need to be seen right away or if it is urgent and can wait to be treated.
• Dr. Zaugg will give you instructions on what to do until you see him

Common Questions Dr. Zaugg May Ask You

• Your name and date of birth
• Your phone number or good contact number
• Who referred you (if applicable)
• How long has it been since your last dental visit
• Which tooth is bothering you
  • -Upper/Lower -Left/Right -Front/Back -Can’t tell
• Describe the pain
  • -Extreme -Throbbing -Dull Ache -Mild
  • -Constant -Comes and Goes -Getting Worse
• If there is any swelling around the tooth
• If the tooth is sensitive to:
  • -Hot -Cold -Both Hot and Cold -Biting Pressure -Sweets
• If there is a filling in the tooth and if it is:
  • -Recent -Old -Broken -Lost
• How long it has been hurting
• If you take medication for the pain
• If the medication relieves the pain
• If pain has kept you awake at night
• If you have any medical alerts
  • -Heart murmur     -Artificial Joints       -Rheumatic fever
  • -Heart Surgery      -MVP                           – Allergies to medication

How To Avoid Dental Emergencies

• Keep up with routine exams and cleanings with Dr. Zaugg
• Wear a mouthguard during sport activities
• Avoid chewing ice or other hard foods
• See Dr. Zaugg to get recommended treatment done before the tooth problem becomes an emergency.