| When a tooth is knocked out:
Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment.
Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the
part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for
bone re-attachment.
Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub.
Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to
keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out.
If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured
person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in
milk.
When a tooth is pushed out of position:
Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using
very light finger pressure, but do not force the tooth.
Bite down to keep the tooth from moving.
The dentist may splint the tooth in place to the two healthy teeth
next to the loose tooth.
When a tooth is fractured:
Rinse mouth with warm water.
Use an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling.
Use ibuprofen, not aspirin, for pain.
Immediately get to your dentist, who will determine treatment based
on how badly the tooth is broken. Only a dentist can tell how bad
the break is.
Minor fracture: Minor fractures can be smoothed by your dentist
with a sandpaper disc or simply left alone. Another option is to
restore the tooth with a composite restoration. In either case,
treat the tooth with care for several days.
Moderate fracture:
Moderate fractures include damage to the enamel, dentin and/or
pulp. If the pulp is not permanently damaged, the tooth may be restored
with a full permanent crown. If pupal damage does occur, further
dental treatment will be required.
Severe fracture:
Severe fractures often mean a traumatized tooth with slim chance
of recovery.
When tissue is injured:
Injuries to the inside of the mouth include tears, puncture wounds
and lacerations to the cheek, lips or tongue. The wound should be
cleaned right away with warm water, and the injured person taken
to a hospital emergency room for the necessary care. Bleeding from
a tongue laceration can be reduced by pulling the tongue forward
and using gauze to place pressure on the wound.
What can I do to be prepared?
Pack an emergency dental care kit, including:
Dentist's phone numbers (home and office)
Saline solution
Handkerchief
Gauze
Small container with lid
Ibuprofen (Not aspirin. Aspirin is an anti-coagulant, which may
cause excessive bleeding in a dental emergency.)
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