Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

Tooth Knocked Out: First, try to stick the tooth back in place and hold it in place with firm pressure. If that is not possible, put the tooth in a container of milk and get to a dentist or emergency room as soon as possible.

Fractured Tooth: Call your dentist immediately. Maintain a soft diet, avoid extreme temperatures of food and liquid, and avoid using the tooth when eating.

Fractured Jaw: If you are unable to move your jaw normally or if you are concerned that you may have fractured your jaw, go to an emergency room immediately.

Bleeding After an Extraction: Slight bleeding or oozing after an extraction can be normal for 24-48 hours.

If bleeding continues, place a thick gauze over the extraction site. Apply pressure to the area until the bleeding ceases. Make sure that you get the gauze in exactly the right place and make sure that you use lots of pressure. Biting tightly into the gauze will give a good amount of pressure.

If the bleeding continues, place a tea bag inside of a thin gauze and apply heavy pressure for one hour. The tea bags contain tannic acid, which aids in clotting.

Mouth Sores: Aphthous ulcers are those very small and painful sores which occur in the mouth. They are commonly caused by stress, trauma, or a reaction to foods. If you have a sore on the inside of your mouth, apply Orajel for temporary relief.

We are happy to see you in the office to assess your condition and advise you of treatment or prescription needed.

Toothache: An aching tooth is a very common dental emergency. A toothache is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth. Tylenol, Advil, or Orajel can be helpful in relieving pain on a temporary basis. Make an appointment to see the dentist as soon as you can.

Hole in a Tooth: If you have a hole in your tooth, most drugstores carry temporary dental fillers that can be used to fill the hole. Please be advised that sometimes filling in a hole in a tooth, where there is active decay, can cause pressure to build in the tooth, resulting in more discomfort.

Maintain a soft diet to avoid further breakage of the tooth. Ideally, getting in to see your dentist as soon as possible is the best solution for a hole in a tooth.

Call Your Dentist!

If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, call our office to receive help as soon as we can make a time for you. We are happy to relieve your pain and restore your oral health!