Almost everyone has experienced a dental emergency and knows how frustrating and painful it can be. The faster we get you in for treatment, the sooner we can help alleviate your pain and ensure that the damaged tooth has the best possible chance of survival.
When in doubt, please contact the Troy Family Dentist immediately if you experience a dental emergency. However, here are a few of the more common dental emergencies and how you can handle them until we see you:
Lost Filling or Crown
Once you’ve lost a filling the affected tooth may become highly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. When a crown comes out make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place so we can try to reinsert it. Until you can get to our office, follow these temporary steps.
Knocked Out Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, it is essential to contact us immediately since tissues, nerves and blood vessels can become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.
- DO NOT touch the root of the tooth. Pick it up carefully by the crown and rinse under warm water.
- Gently place the tooth back in the socket if possible.
- If you cannot replace the tooth, put it into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out. The dentist will try to replace the tooth in its natural socket, but if the root structure of the tooth is seriously damaged, root canal therapy may be necessary.
Natural teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks and breaks. If the crack extends into the root, the pain may be extreme. If a tooth fractured or cracked, you must see the dentist as quickly as possible. Meanwhile take the following steps:
- Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
- Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on and off for 20 minutes if you’re in pain
In an Emergency, Contact our Office
These simple steps can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth or crown, but it’s critical to contact our Troy Family Dentist office right away. We will take care of your needs as quickly as possible – usually the same day.