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Dental Traumas

What to do when a dental emergency arises.

Toothache

Do not place any pain killers, including aspirin on the gum as it may cause a burn. You can use a numbing agent such as orajel. An Anti-inflammatory such as Aleve or ibuprofen can help reduce dental pain; these are typically more effective than acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin for a toothache until you get into see your dentist. (Please do not take Aleve or ibuprofen if allergies or existing medications are affected).

Tooth Knocked Out

If your tooth is accidentally knocked out, handle the tooth by the crown and not the root. Carefully rinse the tooth with cold water but do not scrub it. If you can re-insert it, do so. It not, place your tooth in a cup of milk or water with a pinch of salt, until you can get into our office. (Ideally within an hour)

Chips/Fractures or lost filling

If you have chipped your tooth and are not in pain, the fracture is most likely not close to a nerve. If you experience dental sensitivity ask for a temporary sedative filling at your local drug store to place over the area. If not, keep the area free from food debris, by brushing, flossing and rinsing with warm salt water after each meal until you can get into our office.

Broken or Lost Temporary Crowns

Call our office as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. If you are wearing a temporary crown which has fallen off but is intact, you can slip the crown back over the tooth, after coating the inside of the crown with temporary cement or a small amount of tooth paste that you can find at your local drug store in the dental section. Gently clean the temporary prior to putting a very small amount of the cement inside. Practice placing it on without the cement first, so you will know how it fits.

Call us as soon as possible, if you are experiencing a severe toothache. During your emergency appointment, your dentist will be able to determine what is causing the issue, and get you out of pain as soon as possible.

 

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