If you are an established patient with our office and believe you have a dental emergency, please read the following guidelines as you may or may not need immediate treatment.  If after reading below you determine a consult with Dr. Duman is necessary, please call our normal contact number, 757-596-6216 and a recording will guide you through the process of reaching Dr. Duman. If you determine that your condition can wait until the next normal business day, then feel free to call us first thing on that morning or leave a message for us at the same number above and we will follow with you as soon as absolutely possible.  

If you are not an existing patient with our office, we regret being able to provide an after-hours emergency response.  However, after reading the below guidelines, if you can wait until the opening of our next business day, please call us then for a personal consult.

Dental Emergencies:

Tooth Ache

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum.  For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk, water, or Hank’s Balanced salt solution. (available at pharmacies) Because time is essential, call the office immediately. Dr. Duman will make every effort to see you immediately. Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a doctor.

Broken Tooth

Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Call our office and get immediate dental attention.

Broken Braces and Wires

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze, or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek, or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

Ice can be applied to any bruised area. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Possible Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.