What To Do
Stay calm. Many dental problems can be dealt with at home, until you have an opportunity to see your dentist.
If your emergency is life-threatening or you are in extreme pain, dial 911 and notify emergency medical professionals immediately.
General Problems
Numbness, pain, bleeding and other problems.
Jaw Problems
Injury to the Soft Tissues (Gums, Cheek, Tongue).
Orthodontic Problems
Common orthodontic emergencies.
Tooth Problems
What to do if you have broken, moved or knocked out a tooth
Numbness
Usually lasts for approximately two hours after treatment.
If still experiencing numbness after 4-6 hours, contact your dentist.
Pain
If you are experiencing pain even after taking over the counter pain relievers, contact your dentist for a possible prescription.
Bleeding
If persistent and unable to stop with pressue, contact your dentist immediately.
Infection
Rinse mouth with warm salt water.
If swelling persists, contact your dentist.
Jaw Injury
If teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
Apply ice to control swelling and take ibuprofen or similar remedy to control pain
Restrict diet to soft foods and if no improvement occurs within 24 hours, contact your dentist
If teeth do NO fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
Immediately seek emergency care
Gently align the jaws
Immobilize the jaw by wrapping a cloth bandage under the chin and securing it over the head
Apply ice
Do NOT blow nose
Injury to the Soft Tissues (Gums, Cheek, Tongue) of Mouth
Gently rinse mouth with cold water.
Apply pressure to wound with clean cloth, gauze or tissue.
If bleeding persists, contact your dentist or visit a medical emergency room.
Dental Emergencies - Orthodontics
Lost Wire or Ligature
If rubber ligature is found, you may be able to put it back in place using sterile tweezers.
Contact orthodontist office during regular business hours.
Broken Wire or Ligature Poking
Use a Q-tip or pencil eraser to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth and/or cover with relief wax.
Contact orthodontist office during regular business hours.
Food Trapped between Teeth
Not an emergency, but can be uncomfortable.
Tie a small knot in the middle of some dental floss to help remove or use an interproximal brush or toothpick to dislodge.
Discomfort
Discomfort is normal for a day or two after braces or retainers are adjusted.
To help alleviate pain, rinse with warm salt water or take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Mouth Sores
Application of topical anesthetic such as Ora-Gel as needed should alleviate discomfort.
Loose or Missing Bracket
Notify the orthodontist office during regular business hours.
Piece of Appliance is Swallowed or Aspirated
If aspirated (inhaled), call 911.
If swallowed, contact your General Dentist.
Notify the orthodontist office during regular business hours.
Dental Emergencies - Tooth Problems
Broken/Fractured Tooth
Clean the injured area and apply ice to minimize swelling.
Save the broken piece (for possible reattachment).
Call your dentist immediately.
Extruded Tooth (tooth pushed out of place)
Gently push back in place, if possible.
Call your dentist.
Evulsed Tooth (tooth knocked out)
Gently rinse off tooth while holding it by the crown (top).
Attempt to place back in socket, or if not possible store briefly in cold milk, salt water or between cheek and gums.
Call Dr. Goone immediately @ 847-679-0110