Emergencies

Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between the teeth. Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES shoudl you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, acetaminophen is recommended. Contact us as soon as possible.

Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. Please DO NOT remove any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue. Contact our office as soon as possible. Emergency attention is not ordinarily required for loose or broken appliaces that are not causing discomfort.

Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Rinse the area with warm water. Apply a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments and contact our office as soon as possible.

In the event of a jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Re-insert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk or water. Time is of the essence, so please see us immediately.

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, contact our office.

Fold a piece of gauze and place it tightly over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes. If bleeding continues, please contact our office.