If we are not open, call your nearest hospital emergency room.
In the
meantime
Always rest your head in an elevated position.
Try placing an ice pack near the area outside the cheek.
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Advil) as directed,
as long as you are able to take these products. Do not try to place
an aspirin directly on the painful tooth/area. This will burn the
gum tissue and does not actually help the pain. It would be better to
try an over-the-counter pain relieving product, like Anbesol, for
example. This type of product is made to be placed onto a painful
area in the mouth.
When A Tooth Is Knocked Out Completely
Avoid additional trauma to the tooth while handling. DO NOT
handle tooth by the root. DO NOT brush or scrub tooth. DO NOT
sterilize the tooth.
If debris is on tooth, very gently rinse to wash it with water.
If possible, re-implant tooth and stabilize by biting down gently
on a towel or handkerchief. Do this only if the person is alert and
conscious.
If unable to re-implant, place the tooth under the tongue (if the
person is alert). Next best option is to place the tooth in a cup of
cold milk. Last choice would be to place the tooth in a cup of
water.
Time is very important! Re-implantation within 30 minutes has the
highest degree of success rate.
Transport immediately to the Dentist.
When A Tooth Is Knocked Loose
(But Still In Socket)
A tooth 'hanging down' (upper tooth) or 'raised up' (on a lower
tooth): Reposition the tooth in socket, using firm finger pressure.
Stabilize by gently biting on towel or handkerchief.
A tooth pushed back or pulled forward: Try to reposition the
tooth, using finger pressure. If too painful, only stabilize the
tooth with a towel or handkerchief.
A tooth that appears pushed into the gum- looks short: Do
nothing- avoid any repositioning of the tooth.
Transport immediately to the Dentist.
Fractured Tooth
If the tooth is totally broken in half, save the broken portion
and bring into the dental office as described above.
Stabilize the portion of the tooth left in the mouth by biting
gently on a towel or handkerchief to control bleeding.
Should extreme pain occur, limit contact with other teeth, air or
tongue. Pulp nerve could be exposed, which is extremely painful.
Transport patient and tooth fragments immediately to the Dentist.
If You Have A Toothache