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  EmergenciesWe are always available if you need us. Most orthodontic emergencies can be handled over the phone by instruction. However, occasionally you will need to come in for an emergency appointment. As a general rule, an emergency appointment may be made when there is severe pain, a loose band, a broken wire or something sticking out that you can't take care of. It's important to know the names of the parts of your appliances. It will help, when you phone the office, to be able to identify what part is broken or out of place. During regular office hours call us and we will give you the best time to come in. For any serious problem, where the patient is in pain, we will get you in immediately. After hours, just call our office and the answering machine will give you phone numbers to call. Weekdays, the doctor's and a staff member's home phone numbers are recorded. Weekends and holidays two pager numbers are recorded. We always list two numbers in the event that one or the other is not home or a pager is "out of range." My staff can always reach me if necessary. If you are ever unsure if a problem constitutes an emergency, do not hesitate to call us. We will be able to guide you. Types of Emergencies Traumatic Injury If you have experienced trauma to the mouth or face involving the teeth call you family dentist so that you can be seen as soon as possible. If you cannot reach your dentist call us for assistance. In addition, if any braces or appliances feel loose or your teeth are excessively mobile, call our office to be checked as soon as possible. Orthodontic Don't be alarmed if a wire or band comes loose. This happens occasionally. During the course of treatment a brace may become loose, an appliance dislodged, or a wire may be bent, broken, or poking. . If wire protrudes and is irritating, use a blunt instrument (back of spoon or the eraser end of a pencil) carefully, gently push the irritating wire under the archwire. Simply get it out of the way. Call our office for guidance. We will schedule you according to the urgency of the problem. Until you can get to the office, use the soft orthodontic wax we gave you, or wet cotton to cover the offending brace or wire. If any piece comes off, save it and bring it with you to the office. Back to Top |
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