Emergency

Bitten Lip or Tongue

Apply ice to the injured area to help control swelling. Avoid foods that are spicy or acidic. Healing typically occurs in 7 to 10 days.

Toothache

Gently brush and floss around the sore tooth, if tolerable. For pain relief, you may alternate an over the counter dose of children's acetaminophen and children's ibuprofen every 4 hours as needed. Please contact our office.

Broken Permanent Tooth

Prompt treatment is essential for broken permanent teeth. If any tooth fragments are recovered, please store and transport them in cold milk. The fragment(s) may be used to restore the broken tooth. Please contact our office immediately.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. Avoid using soap, scrubbing vigorously, or unnecessarily handling the tooth while cleaning the wound area. Examine the tooth for any signs of fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it into the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze or clean cloth.

If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient's saliva or milk, NOT water. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient's mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.

Knocked out Baby Tooth

Recover the tooth if possible. This will help the dentist to determine if there are any remaining pieces in the mouth. It is never recommended to re-implant a baby tooth, as the risk of damaging the permanent tooth is too great. Have your child bite down tightly on a washcloth or damp paper towel to help stop the bleeding. Please contact our office.