Dental Emergencies
If you or someone you know has an accident, please call us as soon as possible 24 hours a day.
When You Might Need Us
The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treating dental trauma.
Here are a few scenarios you might be facing:
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Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
- Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion.
- You may briefly rinse the tooth with saline or milk, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.
- Inspect the tooth for fractures.
- If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient keep the tooth in place by biting on a gauze.
- If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Time is critical. Seek immediate dental care!
- Note: Primary (baby) teeth are not generally replaced in the socket as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath; however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.
-
Broken Tooth
- Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water.
- Place a cold compress over the site of the injury.
- Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.
- Immediate dental attention is necessary.
-
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
- Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water, or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water and 50% hydrogen peroxide).
- If the patient’s lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses.
- Take the patient to a dentist.
-
Toothache
- Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.
- Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.
- DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or the aching tooth.
- If the patient’s face is swollen, apply cold compresses.
- Take the patient to a dentist.
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