What to do, and where to go for help when you need it.
PAIN
Tooth pain can indicate a serious problem and should never be ignored. What to do:
Brush and floss to dislodge any trapped food that could be the source of your pain.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the area.
Make an appointment to visit us as soon as possible.
BROKEN TEETH
If your tooth chips or breaks suddenly, do the following:
Rinse your mouth out with warm water.
Save any fragments of tooth that you find.
Apply gauze to bleeding gums.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
Make an appointment to visit us.
ABSCESSED TOOTH
An abscess is a serious and painful infection between the gums and the teeth that requires urgent care. If left untreated, the infection can spread and damage surrounding teeth and gums. If you suspect that you have an abscessed tooth, contact us right away.
DISLODGED TOOTH
If your tooth has been partially dislodged, see an emergency dentist as soon as you can. While you’re waiting for treatment, you should:
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the affected area.
Make an appointment to visit as soon as possible.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
TOOTH KNOCKED OUT
If your tooth has been completely knocked out, come to our clinic without delay. Our Dr. Schade may be able to restore your tooth if you act quickly. Here’s what to do:
Find the missing tooth and rinse it off. DON’T SCRUB IT!
Put the tooth in a container with some contact lens solution or milk and go immediately to the dentist’s office.
MISSING FILLINGS
Missing fillings need to be replaced by a dentist as soon as possible to stop new cavities from forming on the exposed tooth. While you are waiting to see the dentist, you can:
Fill the cavity with dental cement or sugarless gum until you get to the dental clinic.
LOST CROWN
A lost crown should be treated as soon as possible. Come into our dental clinic as soon as you can and in the meantime:
Try to slip the crown back into place (after cleaning it) using dental cement, toothpaste or petroleum jelly to secure it to the tooth.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you are experiencing discomfort.