EMERGENCY DENTAL PROBLEM??
Sherwood Family Dentistry Emergency Line (714) 572-2363 Option 2 when the voicemail begins.
Be Prepared: Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth. Here are some tips to help you cope quickly and calmly with a dental emergency
KNOCKED OUT TOOTH
Baby Tooth: If something happens to any of your child’s baby teeth you should take your child to the dentist as soon as you can. If a tooth is completely out, do not try to put it back into the tooth socket. Although it is normal for children to lose baby teeth, an accident that damages a baby tooth could also harm the adult tooth underneath.
Adult Tooth: Unlike a baby tooth that is knocked out, an adult tooth should be put back into the socket. After you find the tooth, hold it by the top (not the root). If the tooth looks dirty, rinse the root briefly with water. Do Not scrub the tooth or remove any attached bits of tissue. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket with a clean washcloth or gauze pad. If that does not work, put the tooth in a container with milk, saliva, saline solution or an emergency tooth preservation kit. If none of those liquids are available, put the tooth in water.
If you have sustained any medical concerns from losing your tooth you will most likely need to see a medical doctor immediately, either the Emergency Room or Urgent Care. Once you are clear of a concussion, broken bones, etc. then call to see a dentist as soon as possible. Don’t forget to bring the tooth and any tooth pieces you can find, unfortunately with a tooth complete out of the socket there are a lot of issues that arise making the chance of the tooth restoring its self very minimal. If you are unable to contact our office quickly seek an Emergency Dental Clinic.
BROKEN OR CRACKED TOOTH
Rinse the mouth with warm water to keep the area clean. Put a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. If you have sustained any medical concerns from losing your tooth you will most likely need to see a medical doctor immediately, either the Emergency Room or Urgent Care. Once you are clear of a concussion, broken bones, etc. then call to see a dentist as soon as possible. Sometimes your dentist may ask you to take a photo and send it to them, to verify if the tooth need specialty treatment or if it can be repaired in the office.
BITTEN TONGUE OR LIP
Clean the area gently with a cloth and place a cold compress on the area to keep swelling down. If there is a lot of bleeding or if it doesn’t stop after a short time seek medical attention.
TOOTHACHE OR SWOLLEN FACE
Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Take whatever medication you would normally take for pain. Do not put anything directly on your tooth. Call your dentist for an appointment as soon as possible. If your dentist is not able to see you immediately they will be able to call in antibiotics to your pharmacy to help with the pain and swelling. Swelling can often indicate there is an infection and will need to be addressed quickly.