Emergencies

If this is a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1

The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treating dental trauma.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

• Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion.

• You may briefly rinse the tooth with saline or milk, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

• Inspect the tooth for fractures.

• If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient keep the tooth in place by biting on gauze.

• If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Time is critical. Seek immediate dental care!

• Note: Primary (baby) teeth are not generally replaced in the socket as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath, however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.

Broken Tooth

• Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water.

• Place a cold compress over the area of the injury.

• Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.

• Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Broken Braces and Wires

• If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax.

• If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. Take the patient to a dentist immediately.

• Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

• Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water & 50% hydrogen peroxide).

• If the patient's lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses.

• Take the patient to a dentist.

Toothache

• Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.

• Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.

• DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the patient's face is swollen, apply cold compresses.

• Take the patient to a dentist.