Dental Emergencies
Knocked-out Tooth
If the knocked-out tooth is a permanent (adult) tooth, your dentist may be able to put it back. You must act quickly by rinsing it with water -DO NOT scrub. Try to put it back into the opening but be careful to hold the tooth by the crown (top), not the root, so you do not damage the ligaments. If you cannot put the tooth back, place it in a container of cold milk and bring it with you to your dentist right away. Place a padding of tissue or gauze on the opening and bit down on it to stop the bleeding (If you can get help within 10 minutes, there is a fair chance that the tooth will take root again).
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Broken teeth can almost always be saved. If possible, bring in any pieces of the chipped or broken tooth to your dentist. If the break is small, a white filling can be used to fix the tooth. If the break is serious, a root canal may be needed. Your tooth may also need a crown.
Toothache
Toothache or tooth pain is caused when the nerve of a tooth is irritated. Tooth infection, decay, injury or loss of a tooth is the most common causes of dental pain. Call us right away, explain your symptoms, and we will schedule you an appointment. Use Advil, Ibuprofen or Tylenol to ease the pain but never put medication directly against the gums of the aching tooth as it may burn gum tissue. Hold an ice pack against your face at the spot of the sore tooth. Never use a heating pad, as it will make things