Emergency and Trauma

We all know despite our best efforts for prevention, dental emergencies and traumas happen. If it occurs during business hours call us immediately. We will schedule your child for a visit to have the tooth evaluated. If it is after hours, please call us and you will be directed to the doctor on call who can evaluate the situation and determine the best protocol for treatment. If you have a life-threatening or severe injury, call 911 or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Knocked Out Tooth

Procedure for a Knocked Out Tooth:

  1. Stay calm and handle the tooth by the crown, avoiding touching the root.

  2. Rinse the tooth gently with milk or saline solution if it's dirty, without scrubbing.

  3. Try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket, ensuring it's facing the right way. Hold it in place by gently biting down on a clean cloth.

  4. If unable to reinsert, store the tooth in milk or saliva to keep it moist.

  5. Seek immediate dental care within 30 minutes for the highest chance of saving the tooth.

  6. The dentist will evaluate the tooth and socket, possibly splinting the tooth to adjacent teeth for stabilization.

  7. Follow post-treatment instructions for optimal healing and tooth survival.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Trauma to a tooth can cause it to break. Call your dentist immediately to have it evaluated. Small fractures do not always need treatment.

Tooth Ache

Clean the tooth area thoroughly – brushing and flossing to remove any food particles that may be causing discomfort. Take Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen as needed. Visit a dentist as soon as possible. If swelling is present contact a dentist immediately.

Trauma to Lips, Cheek or Tongue

  1. Stop Bleeding: Apply pressure to the affected area with a clean cloth. Hold the pressure for at least 10 minutes.

  2. Apply Ice: If the bleeding continues, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to reduce swelling and slow down the bleeding.

  3. Take Pain Relievers: If there is discomfort, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers following the dosage instructions.

  4. Seek Dental or Emergency Help: If bleeding persists despite applying pressure and ice, or if the injury is severe, seek prompt dental or emergency medical help.

Remember, quick intervention is crucial in cases of trauma to the lips, cheek, or tongue.