Dental emergencies can be extremely scary and traumatic, but you can get through it. Once your injury occurs, call our office as soon as possible. We are here to help you in any way we can, no matter the situation. Until you see your dentist or dental professional, please do the following things:
• Knocked-out Tooth: If you knock your tooth out of your mouth, retrieve it and hold it by the crown, which is the visible portion of the tooth that was shown when it was inside your mouth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off with water—do not scrub it. If possible, try to put the tooth back into place, and make sure it is facing the right way. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or a cup of water with a pinch of table salt. It is very important that you see your dentist within an hour of your tooth getting knocked out.
• Chipped or Broken Tooth: If you chip or break a tooth, save as many pieces as you can. Then, rinse your mouth with warm water and wash the broken pieces if they are dirty. If you are bleeding, apply a gauze pad or cloth to the area until the bleeding stops. If there is swelling, you can reduce it by placing a cold compress to the outside of the affected area.
• Extruded Tooth: Other than seeing your dentist right away, there is not much you can do. Until you see your dentist professional, apply an ice pack outside the affected area and take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve the pain.
• Toothache: If you have a toothache, thoroughly rinse your mouth with warm water. After you rinse your mouth, floss between each tooth to make sure you free any excess food that may be stuck there. If your mouth is swollen, place an ice pack outside of the affected area. To relieve pain before seeing the dentist, you can take an over-the-counter pain medication. Do not put the medication directly against the gums near the aching area.
• Lost Filling: For a temporary solution, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity of your tooth after you have lost your filling. If possible, you can otherwise fill the hole with over-the-counter dental cement.
• Lost Crown: If your crown falls off your tooth, try and save the crown and bring it into the dental office with you. To help relieve pain until you see your dentist, you can apply clove oil to the tooth. If possible, paint the inner surface of the tooth with over-the-counter dental cement or toothpaste and place the crown back over your tooth. Do not use super glue!
For more tips about successfully handling a dental emergency, call our office today and talk to a member of our team. We are happy to help you!