Dental Emergencies

What you should do:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown, do not touch the root.

2. If dirty, you may briefly rinse under water (less than 10 seconds).

3. Replant the tooth back into the socket in the correct orientation, have the child bite down on a soft cloth to hold in place.

4. If you are unable to replant the tooth, immediately put the tooth in a small, clean container of milk or patient's own saliva.  Have the child bite down on a soft cloth to control bleeding.

5. CALL OUR OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.  The tooth needs to be replanted ASAP, no later than 60 minutes after the injury.

Most dental trauma emergencies can be treated during normal office hours.  Call our office to schedule an emergency appointment.

What you can do:

Over the counter analgesics, a soft food diet and a good night's rest can make the emergency appointment much more pleasant for your child.

Knocked out Baby tooth

• Do not replant the tooth back in the mouth.

Chipped tooth

• If tooth fragment is found, place the fragment in a small cup of milk and bring it to the emergency appointment.

Tooth pushed out of alignment

• If possible, try to push the tooth back into its original position as soon as possible and hold in place with a soft cloth.  The longer the tooth is out of alignment, the harder it is to get the tooth back in place.

Tooth pushed into the gums

• No immediate intervention needed, but your child should eat soft foods until seen by the dentist.

Loose tooth/tooth tender to touch

• No immediate intervention needed, but your child should eat soft foods until seen by the dentist.

Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, frenum (muscle attachment of the lips and tongue)

• Often, even small tears can cause what seem like significant bleeding in the area.
• Apply gentle pressure with soft cloth to control bleeding.  If bleeding cannot be controlled, call our office or go to the emergency room.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS SIGNIFICANT SWELLING IN THE FACE OR NECK REGION, CALL 911 OR GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM.

If your child has a toothache or you notice a small bump/swelling on the gums, call our office.

What you can do:

• Over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be given as needed for pain following manufacturer's instructions.

• The sore should resolve within 7-10 days. Call our office if a sore persists after 10 days.
• Consider over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain, following manufacturer's instructions.
• Eat soft foods and avoid hot, spicy foods.
• Avoid irritating mouth rinses, especially those containing alcohol.
• If moderate to severe pain persists, call our office.