Dental injuries require IMMEDIATE attention and appropriate response. Please note that the advise listed here is NOT a substitute for a visit with one of our dentists or specialists. This information is provided to advise you on how to care for a variety of dental emergencies until such time that you are able to visit our office.
- Locate the tooth and all of its parts but do NOT touch the root surface.
- Do NOT scrub or wipe the tooth off because remnants of the ligaments that hold the tooth in the jaw are attached and these remnants are vital to the success of replanting the tooth.
- If the tooth looks clean, immediately insert it back in place.
- If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it off with milk, saliva or water (water being the least desirable).
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket.
- If you are unable to reinsert the tooth in the socket, place the tooth in a cup of milk or in saliva (either inside your mouth or in a cup of spit).
- See your dentist IMMEDIATELY – the sooner you see a dental professional, the better chance you have of saving your tooth.
- If your jaw hurts when it is moved or you cannot close your mouth in a normal manner, immobilize the jaw with a towel or tie.
- Apply cold compresses to control the swelling.
- Go to a hospital emergency room IMMEDIATELY.
- Fast action can save a tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.
- Gently apply direct pressure on the gums above or below the tooth to stop any bleeding – do NOT press directly on the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. To avoid further aggravation of the damaged tooth, avoid this area of your mouth.
- If there is no other damage that requires hospital care, find the broken tooth fragments and take them to the dentist as soon as possible.
- This includes tears, puncture wounds or lacerations.
- Clean the area with warm salt water and gently apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling.
- If the bleeding does not stop, go to a hospital emergency room as stitches may be required.
- Clean your mouth by rinsing with warm salt water.
- Gently use dental floss to ensure there is no food or debris caught between your teeth.
- NEVER put any pain medication directly on the gum as this can burn the gum tissue.
- If pain persists, call your dentist.
- If the pain is keeping you awake at night, pain medication is not effective, and you detect swelling on the gum line near the ache or on your face, contact your dentist IMMEDIATELY.
- Try to gently remove the object with dental floss, but avoid cutting the gums.
- NEVER use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth.
- If you are unable to dislodge the object after several flossing attempts, contact your dentist.
- Ensure that all of the old cement is thoroughly cleaned off.
- Try to place the crown or bridge back in place WITHOUT force.
- In necessary, you may use denture adhesive or toothpaste to glue the crown or bridge in place. Do NOT use household glue.
- Contact your dentist as soon as possible to re-cement the crown or bridge properly to avoid fractures, swallowing, and misplacement.
Does Your Child Experience...
If you child has any of these symptoms please call our office to schedule a consultation. Whistler Dental is proud to screen for proper craniofacial growth and development.
- Bedwetting
- Snoring
- Night terrors
- Hard to concentrate during school
- ADHD
- Open mouth breathing
- Persistent runny nose
- Underweight / overweight
- Bedwetting
- Snoring
- Night terrors
- Hard to concentrate during school
- ADHD
- Open mouth breathing
- Persistent runny nose
- Underweight / overweight
- Bedwetting
- Snoring
- Night terrors
- Hard to concentrate during school
- ADHD
- Open mouth breathing
- Persistent runny nose
- Underweight / overweight