Emergencies

How to Handle Emergencies

For Emergencies -- Call (541) 779-6170

Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

Tooth knocked out: First, try to stick the tooth back in place and hold it there while you rush

the dentist. If that's impossible, put the tooth is a container of milk (or water if milk is not available

take it and the patient to the dentist immediately.

Fractured Tooth: To avoid further aggravating the damaged tooth, place a piece of soft wax

area of the tooth that was chipped. You should eat only soft foods and try to avoid food and drinks that

are hot and cold to the touch.

Fractured Jaw: If you find that your jaw hurts when it is moved or if you cannot close your mouth

normal fashion, it is likely that you have fractured your jaw. Seek professional medical help at an

emergency room. The hospital will be able to treat your injury as well as advise you whether you need to

make an appointment to see your dentist.

Bitten Tongue or Lip: Biting or lacerating your tongue may cause inflammation and possible bleeding.

Use ice or pressure to control the swelling or bleeding. Any swelling should subside within twenty-four

hours. Contact your Dentist if the pain persists or the laceration is deep.

Bleeding After an Extraction: Slight bleeding after an extraction is normal. A clot will usually form

within one hour. If bleeding continues, place a thick gauze pad over the extraction site. Apply pressure to

the area to control the flow of blood. If bleeding still persists, you may try soaking a tea bag in warm water and

placing it inside a thin gauze pad, and apply pressure for one hour. The tea leaves contain minerals

which may aid in the clotting procedure.

Mouth Sores: Canker sores are those very small and painful sores which occur inside the m

They can be caused by stress, biting the inside of the mouth or by a reaction to certain foods. If

that you have developed a canker sore on the inside of the mouth, apply an over-the-counter me

like Orajel or campho-phenique. This will produce a bandage-like film over the sore.

Toothache: An aching tooth is a very common dental emergency. A toothache is often a sign

infection in or around a tooth. Tylenol or aspirin can sometimes be effective in comforting pain. If there is

a hole in the tooth, you may place Oil of Cloves on a small cotton pellet and place it in the site to help relieve the

pain.