Toothaches and Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency can be quite scary, especially when you are not sure about the measures you need to take. Below we have provided you with steps that you can take if you experience one of the common dental emergencies. We will be happy to answer any questions that you may have during normal business hours, and we gladly accommodate emergency patients into our schedule.
As always, call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency aside from dental trauma that may require urgent care or guidance from a dentist.
Toothache
You can soothe a toothache by rinsing your mouth out with warm water. This will also help cleanse the aching tooth. Toothaches can sometimes be caused by impacted food. You can floss to dislodge food that is causing toothache.
You can take an over-the-counter medication to reduce discomfort. However, you do not want to put aspirin directly on your tooth. If the toothache does not go away, then you should call our office. You should call our office and apply a cold compress if your face starts to swell.
Bitten Or Cut Lip, Cheek Or Tongue
Place ice around the wound. This will help reduce inflammation. Apply a sterile gauze or cloth with steady pressure to reduce bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop, then you should contact us or go to your local emergency room.
Permanent Tooth Knocked Out
You should try to locate the tooth if possible. Hold the tooth by its root. You may also need to clean the tooth with water. Do not use anything to clean the tooth except for water. Do not handle the tooth unnecessarily or scrub it.
Try to place the tooth back in the socket, and use a napkin, towel or gauze to steady the tooth. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, then you should place it inside of a cup of milk.
In situations like these, time is crucial. You will need to see a dentist as soon as you can. Time is the main thing that determines whether your tooth can be saved.
Baby Tooth Knocked Out
In most cases, this is not a severe problem and does not require any treatment. However, if your child’s baby tooth gets knocked out, then you will need to contact us.
Fractured Or Chipped Permanent Tooth
Contact our office immediately. Quick treatment helps prevent infection, saves the tooth and reduces the need for extra dental treatment. If possible, you should locate the fragments of the tooth and bring them to the office. Reduce the swelling by applying a cold compress. Cleanse your mouth by rinsing it with cold water.
Fractured or Chipped Baby Tooth
Contact us in order to decide if urgent treatment is needed.
Head Trauma
Go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Fractured Or Broken Jaw
Visit the emergency room as soon as possible. Avoid moving the jaw.