Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful events which can happen at any time. Most injuries should be treated immediately, as timing can be an important factor in the success of your treatment.
A dental emergency is usually classified as:
- Tooth breakage/crack
- Loose tooth/Lost tooth (tooth is knocked out)
- Loss of a dental crown/bridge
When dealing with a tooth that is knocked out, timing is crucial! The most ideal time to have treatment is within 1 hour of the accident, as this will greatly increase the chances of the tooth surviving. Try not to handle the root portion of the tooth and you can gently rinse the tooth with water but avoid scrubbing! At this point you can either place the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums to keep it “hydrated”, otherwise wrap the tooth in clean gauze or cloth and store it in saline (ideal) or milk. Call us immediately.
If your child’s baby tooth has been knocked out, the tooth should not be replanted and saving/preserving the tooth is not required. Regardless, please call us to ensure there is no other trauma to the area.
For broken/chipped/fractured teeth, the treatment is dependent on how severe the trauma to the area is. For minor fractures of the enamel, we can typically smooth the fracture or repair the tooth via bonding procedures. For more severe fractures which may involve the nerve of the tooth, you may require more extensive treatment such as a root canal and/or crown. Finally, some fractures may ultimately result in the loss of the tooth depending on the severity. If this is the case, there are several options available to help address tooth loss. Regardless of the situation, if you are experiencing discomfort, you can use cold compresses and ibuprofen to help control the inflammation until you are able to make your way to us.
Any other trauma to the teeth or tissue in your mouth (gums, cheeks, etc) should be treated as soon as possible. If you cant see your dentist, please consider visiting the hospital.