Emergency Care

What to Do: If the bracket is causing pain, use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges.

Next Steps: Call our office during business hours for an appointment.

What to Do: Use a clean pair of tweezers to move/bend the wire away from your gums.

Next Steps: If the wire is too hard to move, use orthodontic wax to cushion it until you can visit us.

If It Hurts: You can clip the wire with a clean nail clipper and call us for a repair appointment.

What to Do: Call our office. We can often fit you in for a replacement.

If You Can't Get in Right Away: If you still have the retainer wear as much as you can, sometimes increased wear can get your retainer to fit better.

What to Do: Take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen.

What to Do: For irritated gums or cheeks swish with warm salt water. Apply Orthodontic wax.

Next Steps: If discomfort lasts more than a few days, contact us for advice.

What to Do: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Next Steps: Seek immediate care from your dentist if there’s a broken tooth or injury appears to be severe. Contact our office afterward to repair any damaged appliances.

Phone: North location 507.281.3121, South location 507.288.4427

Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8 AM - 5 PM, Fridays 8 AM- 12:00 PM

After hours : Please call our regular business number to be directed to our after hours line.

How do I know if it’s an emergency?
If you’re in significant pain or something feels out of place, causing severe pain, it’s best to contact us.

Can I fix it myself?
Some minor issues can be addressed temporarily. If any of the above advice has not helped, please feel free to call our office for assistance.