Dental emergencies can be frightening and often painful. Prompt treatment is almost always necessary to alleviate pain and to ensure the teeth have the best possible chance of survival.
When in doubt, ALWAYS contact the Troy emergency dentist immediately if you experience a dental emergency. A knowledgeable member of our team will listen to your concerns and schedule you as quickly as possible, usually the same day.
Here are a few common dental emergencies and how you should handle them until you get to our office.
Tooth Knocked Out
If a tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, it is essential to contact us immediately since tissue, nerves and blood vessels can become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.
- DO NOT touch the root of the tooth. Pick it up carefully by the crown and rinse under warm water.
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket gently, but don’t force it.
- If you cannot replace the tooth, put it into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.
Lost Filling or Crown
Once you’ve lost a filling, the affected tooth may become highly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. When a crown falls out, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place until our Troy emergency dentist can try to reinsert it. Until you can get to our office, please follow these interim steps.
- Clean the crown and keep it in a safe place until you can come in to see us.
- If the tooth is uncomfortable, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and use a cold compress on and off for 20 minutes each.
- If you’ve lost a filling, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Natural teeth are sturdy, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks, and breaks. If the crack extends into the root, the pain may be extreme. If a tooth is broken or cracked, you must see the dentist as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, take the following steps:
- Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
- Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
- Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if it’s not possible to see the dentist immediately.
In an Emergency, Contact our Office
These simple steps can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth or crown, but it’s critical to communicate with the dentist right away. We will take care of your needs as quickly as possible – usually the same day.