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Vandervoort Family Dentistry

Our Services

Emergency Dental Care

When something can't wait, call us. We'll figure out the fastest path to getting you seen and comfortable.

Call us first

Describe what's happening and we'll triage from there.

When you call, we'll ask a few questions to understand the situation and schedule you accordingly. After hours, leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we're able with guidance on next steps.

What we see

Common dental emergencies

Severe Toothache

Persistent or severe tooth pain that isn't resolved by over-the-counter pain relief, especially if it's keeping you up at night or making it hard to eat.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A break that's causing pain, sharp edges, or sensitivity. Even if it doesn't hurt immediately, a significant chip is worth a call to understand your options.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time matters here more than with most emergencies. Call us immediately and follow the guidance below on handling the tooth while you make your way in.

Lost Crown or Filling

A missing restoration can leave the tooth sensitive and vulnerable. Dental cement from a pharmacy can offer temporary protection while you wait for an appointment.

Dental Abscess or Infection

Swelling in the jaw or face, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or throbbing pain alongside fever are signs of infection that need prompt attention — please don't wait on these.

Broken Orthodontic Appliance

A broken wire or bracket causing irritation or discomfort. We can help assess whether it needs immediate attention or can wait for a routine adjustment.

Before you call

What to do while you wait

For a knocked-out tooth

Handle the tooth only by the crown — the part you normally see — not by the root. Rinse it gently with clean water if it's dirty, but don't scrub it or dry it out.

If you can, gently reinsert it into the socket and hold it in place. If that's not possible, keep it moist in milk, saline, or tucked between your cheek and gum. Then call us immediately.

For tooth pain

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help manage discomfort while you wait. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek may also reduce swelling.

Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gum or tooth — it can irritate tissue. And if you notice swelling spreading to your jaw, neck, or face, that's a reason to call sooner rather than later.

For a lost restoration

A lost crown or filling can leave the tooth sensitive to temperature and pressure. Temporary dental cement, available at most pharmacies, can cover the area and reduce discomfort until you're seen.

Try to avoid chewing on that side and give us a call. We'll let you know how urgently we need to see you based on what you're experiencing.

After hours

If you call outside of office hours, please leave a message. We'll call you back as soon as we're able and walk you through what to do next. For true medical emergencies involving difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Don’t wait it out. Give us a call.

Even if you’re not sure whether it’s an emergency, we’d rather you call and let us help you decide.