Dental Emergencies

Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain persists, contact our office. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact us immediately.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call us or visit the hospital emergency room.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub, or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

Inspect it for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport it in a cup that contains the patient’s saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in his or her mouth (beside the cheek).

The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked-Out Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist. Unlike a permanent tooth, a baby tooth should not be replanted, due to possible damage to the developing permanent tooth. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Chipped/Fractured Permanent Tooth: Time is a critical factor. Contact our office immediately so as to reduce the chance of infection or the need for extensive dental treatment in the future. Rinse the mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken tooth piece, bring it with you to us.

Chipped/Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact our office.

Severe Blow to the Head: Call 911 immediately or take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.