Emergencies

Welcome to our Emergency page. Please browse through our catagories that address the most common emergency situations. If you need immediate attention, call Dr. Gorton and Dr. Schmohl at (415) 459-8006. For after-hour emergencies, a recorded message will tell you how to reach Dr. Gorton and/or Dr. Schmohl.  Occasionally the contact information for another local orthodontist will be given if both Dr. Gorton and Dr. Schmohl are out of town.

In the very unlikely event no one is reachable, or if there has been significant trauma to a tooth that may require local anesthesia, please call your pediatric/general dentist.

 

Loose Brackets / Broken Appliances:

Although a loose bracket or broken appliance is only considered an Emergency if it is resulting in discomfort to the patient, it should still be addressed in a timely fashion in order to prevent further breakage and/or delays in treatment goals.  PLEASE DO NOT WAIT UNTIL YOUR NEXT SCHEDULED APPOINTMENT- CALL US IMMEDIATELY, EVEN IF YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT THAT DAY SINCE WE NEED TO SET ASIDE EXTRA TIME FOR THE REPAIR.(415) 459-8006.

 

Poking Wire:

If it is the main arch wire (which connects all the teeth), try to move it so it is comfortable and phone the office for an appointment. Sometimes wax will not stick well to the end of a poking wire, so use cotton, tissue, or gauze until we can take care of it. Moldable silicon ear plugs, available at any pharmacy, can also work well.  If it is not possible to make it comfortable and you are unable to come to the office immediately, please cut the wire as close as possible to the nearest bracket it is still secured to (use a small wire cutter or fingernail clipper).

If it is a very small "tie wire" that goes on an individual tooth, you can usually push it back into place with a fingernail or pencil eraser.

 

Lip/Cheek Discomfort:

Brackets tend to irritate the lips and cheeks, particularly in the first few weeks.  Place wax on the orthodontic appliances to protect the lips/cheeks from sharp edges. The wax stays on better if you dry the area first with a hair dryer. If you are susceptible to getting sores in your mouth, you may find that while you have braces you may get more sores than usual. Sores are uncomfortable, but usually go away within 2 weeks. Lips can also get dry, so use lip balm.

 

Tooth Discomfort:

When pressure is applied to the teeth, you may feel some tenderness which usually persists for 2-3 days. The intensity and duration of the discomfort will vary with each patient. Feel free to take Tylenol or other headache medicine if needed.  If you the level of discomfort seems unusually high and lasts more than a week please call the office (415) 459-8006 and speak to Dr. Gorton or Dr. Schmohl for advice and/or set up an appointment to be seen promptly.

 

Tooth Movement:

Orthodontic appliances are designed to move teeth in all directions, and this movement may cause the teeth to feel slightly loose (this is normal). Sometimes, teeth will move in a direction that seems to be wrong. Be patient. Usually this happens when tooth movement has just begun and only one direction of movement can be seen. Undesired tooth movement can occur also when brackets come loose or when wires are bent and damaged. Call our office to check whether an earlier appointment is needed.

 

Swallowed something:

If you swallowed part of your appliance, such as a bracket or elastic, it will usually pass through your digestive system and out of your body. However, if you have difficulties in breathing, you should seek immediate medical help.

 

Allergic Symptoms:

Although uncommon, allergies to brackets or other metal appliances and sometimes even to latex gloves do occur. If allergic symptoms such as inflammation and skin rashes appear, you should call Dr. Gorton and Dr. Schmohl for advice. (415) 459-8006

 

Removable Appliance:

Loose metal parts of a removable appliance may no longer hold it in the mouth and should be tightened. Erupting teeth may result in an improper fit of the appliance. Remove the appliance and call our office to schedule an earlier appointment.

 

Headgear:

If your headgear/reverse headgear tends to fall off at night or cause any other problems, call our office for advice to see whether an earlier appointment is needed.