Emergency Care
Dental emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from tooth aches
to broken teeth. If you have a dental emergency, call your dentist.
Their office will be able to advise you what remedies need to be
taken and if the patient needs to be seen by the dentist.
Possible Emergencies
Toothache: If face is swollen, take the patient to the dentist
immediately. In the event of a toothache, clean the area around
the affected tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth by vigorously swishing
with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge debris or impacted
food. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. This
will cause more irritation. Call your dentist's office to explain
the symptoms and to schedule an appointment.
Broken Tooth: Immediate dental attention is necessary. Rinse
any dirt from the injured area. Place a cold compress over the face
covering the area of the injury.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Patient must be seen by a dentist
immediately. The first 30 minutes after the accident are critical.
You may rinse the tooth for 10 seconds, but DO NOT scrub or handle
the tooth unnecessarily. Transport the tooth in a cup of water or
milk. If neither are available, the patient (if old enough) can
hold the tooth under their tongue until they get to the dentist's
office. Time is a critical factor in being able to save the tooth.
Four points to remember:
1. Keep Calm
2. Act Quickly
3. Keep Tooth Moist
4. See Dentist Immediately
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: If cut is large or deep,
or if the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, take the patient
to the hospital emergency room.
Apply ice to the bruised area(s). If there is bleeding apply firm
but gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth. Call you dentist.
Broken Braces and Wires: If a wire is stuck in the cheek,
gums or tongue, take the patient to see the dentist immediately.
If an appliance is broken and can be removed EASILY, take it out.
If it cannot be easily removed, cover the sharp or protruding portion
with cotton balls, gauze, soft chewing gum or wax, then call the
dentist to explain the situation.
Fractured Jaw: Go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
If a fractured jaw is suspected, immobilize the jaw using a handkerchief,
towel, length of nylon pantyhose or length of gauze tied at the
top of the head. Go to the hospital emergency room immediately.
Teeth may be involved, a follow-up visit with the dentist can be
made once the patient has been treated at the hospital.
Canker Sores and Cold Sores: Many patients suffer on occasion
from cold sores and canker sores. For symptomatic relief, check
with your pharmacist who will be able to recommend over the counter
remedies to bring relief. If the sores persist, consult your dentist
to have the condition evaluated.
Excessive Bleeding When a Child Looses a Baby Tooth: If
there is bleeding when a child looses a baby tooth, have the child
bite with firm pressure on a folded gauze square for 15 minutes.
If the bleeding does not stop, try a second time for 15 minutes
with new gauze. Gently remove gauze, if bleeding stops have child
be very careful in the area where the tooth was lost. No probing
with tongue, or touching for the rest of the day. Do not brush in
that area for a day and don't use a straw to drink for a day. If
bleeding does not stop, call your dentist.
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