First Aid for Dental Emergencies
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Broken Tooth
Broken Braces and Wires
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Toothache
Loss of or Painful Baby Tooth
Cold/Canker Sores
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth if it is dirty, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup of milk. Primary or baby teeth are not generally replaced into the socket, however, evaluation by the dentist is recommended within 48 hours.
Broken Tooth
Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is recommended.
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Broken Braces and Wires
If a broken appliance can be removed EASILY, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze, or gum. If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek, or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Take the patient to the dentist immediately. Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention and can be repaired at the regular visit.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip, or Cheek
Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm, but gentle, pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, please call our office.
Toothache
Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water, or use a tooth brush to dislodge impacted food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum of the aching tooth. If face is swollen, apply
cold
compresses. DO NOT HEAT! Call to make an appointment immediately. Pain from an abscessed tooth often stops temporarily, then returns.
Loss of or Painful Baby Tooth
When it is time for baby teeth to be lost, they are often uncomforable when biting. The loose tooth is held in only by the gum tissue once the root is resorbed. Encourage your child to wiggle and twist the tooth. Continue careful brushing in the area to reduce irritation and soreness. If the permanent tooth is erupting and the baby tooth is not loose, please call for an appointment to see if we need to assist in the removal. Delay in the loss of a baby tooth can cause deflection of the permanent tooth into an undesirable position.
Cold/Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If severe or recurrent ulcers occur, call our office. We have several prescription medications that provide more effective relief.
© 2007 Dr. Evan G Long, DDS, PA. All Rights Reserved.
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