Summertime is upon us, finally!
Along with all this fun can come some not such fun times when the mouth comes in contact with heads, baseballs, pool sides, etc.
So, what do we need to know about Dental Emergencies:
- Knocked out tooth: The first thing to do is make sure you find the tooth! Rinse the tooth off, but do not scrub the root portion. If it is possible, try to reinsert the tooth in the correct position. If you are not comfortable doing this, or cannot, then place the tooth in a cup of milk. The next best place to put the tooth, if no milk is available is between the lip and gum of the person. Doing this will help keep the tooth moist and increase the chances that the tooth can be saved by the dentist. Next, call you dentist immediately!!! The sooner the tooth can be reinserted and stabilized the better the prognosis.
- Broken or Chipped Tooth: If possible try to find the fractured pieces. Often times the dentist can bond those back on. Place a cold compress in the area of the trauma, and attempt to stop any bleeding. Contact your dentist ASAP to determine if this needs to be examined right away.
- Partially Dislodged or Displased Tooth: Pain relief is usually what is needed for this type of trauma. Cold compresses, tylenol or motrin can do the trick. Anytime a tooth is hit there can be damage to the root, nerve or blood supply to the tooth. It is important to contact the dentist to evluate any trauma, as there may be damage that cannot be seen without use of an x-ray.
As always with any trauma, a parent or adult must access the state of the emergency. If there has been any loss of consciousness, or significant trauma to the face of the child, a physician or 911 should be called. Please don't hesitate to contact us if there are any questions regarding broken, lost or hit teeth. We are always available to discuss and questions.
Scott C. Peters, DMD
