Patient Education - Handling Dental Emergencies

Time is the most critical factor when dealing with a tooth that has been knocked out or pushed loose. From the moment of the emergency to the time one is seen for professional care, certain measures can ease the pain and limit the damage.

If a tooth is knocked out you should:

• Call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. If you are tended to within a half hour of the emergency, it may be possible to re-implant the tooth.
• Attempt to find the tooth. Be careful to pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing
  surface of the tooth) and not the root.
• Gently rinse the tooth to remove dirt. DO NOT RUB OR SCRUB THE TOOTH
• If there is no fear of swallowing the tooth, keep the tooth warm and wet by placing it between the cheek and gum, until you receive immediate professional care.
• If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk.
• Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket. This can cause further damage.

If a tooth is pushed out of place:

• Using very light finger pressure, try to reposition the tooth into its normal position.
• Do not force the tooth into its socket
• Hold the tooth in place with a moist cloth or gauze.
• It's critical to be seen by your dentist within a half hour of the emergency.

If there is injury to the soft tissues of the mouth:

• Tears, puncture wounds and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue should be cleaned right away.
• The injured person should be taken to an emergency room for the necessary suturing and repair.
• Bleeding from the tongue can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward and using gauze.

If there is a broken or cracked tooth:

• Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure to the gums. Upper tooth--gently press the gum directly above the tooth. Lower tooth--gently press directly below the tooth.
• DO NOT press directly on the broken tooth.
• Get to a dentist immediately. Ideally the patient should be seen within two to three hours.