Below is a list of some common dental
emergencies and how to handle them.
Lost Filling
Put a piece of softened sugarless gum in the
spot where the filling was lost.
This will protect the area for a short while.
See your dentist as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A piece of sugarless gum placed over the sharp
edge of the broken tooth can help relieve irritation associated with a
broken tooth. Call your
dentist to arrange an appointment. Broken teeth can almost always be
saved. If it’s a small
break, your dentist may use a filling to fix it. If the break is
serious, a root canal and subsequent crown ( or ‘cap’) may be needed.
Toothache
Call your dentist and explain your symptoms.
You will be given an appointment as soon as possible.
In the meantime, take an over-the-counter pain medication.
Do not put the pills on your sore tooth. Use an ice pack
against your face in the area of the sore tooth.
Do NOT put any source of heat ( heating pad,
etc) on the area. Heat
will make things worse.
Knocked Out Tooth
If the tooth is an adult tooth, your dentist may
be able to put it back.
If the tooth is put back within 10 minutes, it has a fair chance of
healing.
If the tooth looks clean, put it back in place (
in the socket). If this
is not possible, put it in a container of cold milk.
Go to your dentist ( or the nearest dentist) immediately.
Badly Bitten Lip or Tongue
If there is bleeding, press down on the area
using a clean cloth.
If the lip is swollen, use an ice pack to reduce the swelling.
If the bleeding does not stop, go to the nearest Emergency
department right away.
Something Stuck Between Teeth
Try using dental floss to gently remove whatever
is stuck. Do not poke the
area with a pin or any sharp object.
If you are unsuccessful in removing the object, see your
dentist.
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