Call us right away. For an after-hours emergency, call the office and follow the instructions for reaching Dr. Quinton. For a life-threatening injury — including a possible broken jaw — go to the nearest emergency room.
What to do in a dental emergency
Knocked-out permanent tooth
Pick up the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. Rinse gently — don't scrub. If you can, reinsert it into the socket and hold it with clean gauze. If not, transport it in a cup of milk or water. See Dr. Quinton immediately.
Toothache
Clean gently around the tooth and rinse with warm salt water. Use a cold compress on the face for swelling and acetaminophen for pain. Never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. See us as soon as possible.
Broken tooth
Rinse the area with warm water and place a cold compress over the face near the injury. Save any broken fragments and call our office immediately for an appointment.
Cut or bitten tongue, lip, or cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. For bleeding, use firm but gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes, go to the emergency room.
Bleeding after a baby tooth falls out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it tightly over the area, then have your child bite down for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, see Dr. Quinton.
Broken braces or wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it's lodged or painful, cover sharp edges with orthodontic wax, a cotton ball, or gauze. Do not cut a wire stuck in the gum, cheek, or tongue — see a dentist.
Cold sores or canker sores
Over-the-counter medications usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, schedule a visit so we can take a closer look.
Possible broken jaw
Gently tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie, or handkerchief and go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Sedation & hospital dentistry
Some children need a little extra help to get comfortable, safe care — and we offer several options beyond the standard chairside visit.
Nitrous Oxide (“Laughing Gas”)
For children who are anxious, very young, or have trouble sitting still, nitrous oxide and oxygen is a safe, gentle form of sedation that helps your child relax while staying fully awake and breathing on their own.
- ✓Your child stays alert, responsive, and breathes on their own.
- ✓They breathe in more oxygen than normal room air — a wide margin of safety.
- ✓It's delivered through a small mask over the nose; treatment feels more comfortable.
- ✓We may ask that your child not eat or drink before the appointment.
- ✓At the end, your child breathes oxygen to clear the gas and leaves awake and relaxed.
Hospital Dentistry
For very young children, children with special healthcare needs, or those who need extensive treatment they can't comfortably tolerate in the office, Dr. Quinton provides dental care in a hospital setting.
Each Friday, he delivers this care at Delta Regional Medical Center in Greenville and North Sunflower Medical Center in Ruleville — letting us complete all needed treatment safely in a single, controlled setting. Dr. Vance performs these same hospital procedures as well.
Frequently asked questions
When it matters, we're here for your family
Save our number so you're ready if your child ever needs us.
Call (662) 334-9337