Emergency Dentist

Emergencies from tooth pain or trauma occur and it is difficult sometimes to know where to turn. We recommend that if this is a health related emergency that you dial 911 or go to the emergency room. A health related emergency is referring to any laceration outside the mouth, perceived broken jaw, or head trauma. We are equipped here at the office 24/7 to get you out of pain or assist in salvaging teeth. If this is a dental emergency please call us any time. Messages are immediately fed through the emergency system and every attempt is made to return every call immediately.

Under no circumstances will we prescribe medications over the phone.

Protocols for Dental trauma injuries

FIRST AID FOR AN AVULSED TOOTH

I. PRIMARY TOOTH

A primary tooth that has been avulsed is usually not re-implanted. The risk of injury to the developing permanent tooth bud is high.

II. PERMANENT TOOTH

1. Do not touch the root of the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown only.

2. Rinse the tooth off only if there is dirt covering it. Do not scrub or scrape the tooth.

3. Attempt to re-implant the tooth into the socket with gentle pressure, and hold it in position.

4. If unable to re-implant the tooth, place it in a protective transport solution, such as Hank's solution, milk, or saline. This will hydrate and nourish the periodontal ligament cells which are still attached to the root. A small container of Hank's Balanced Salt Solution can be purchased in dental emergency kit form at many drug stores. Contact lens solution is not an acceptable storage medium.

5. The tooth should not be wrapped in tissue or cloth. The tooth should never be allowed to dry.

6. Take the child to a dentist or hospital emergency room for evaluation and treatment.

7. Radiographs may need to be taken of the airway, stomach, and mouth if the tooth cannot be found .

8. Tetanus prophylaxis should be considered if the dental socket is contaminated with debris.

B. FIRST AID FOR A TOOTH KNOCKED LOOSE

I. PRIMARY TOOTH

Place a cold wet cloth over the mouth, and bring the child to a dentist. Provide pain relief by giving children’s Tylenol.

II. PERMANENT TOOTH

Rinse with cold water, and keep an ice pack over the lip and mouth to reduce swelling. Give Tylenol for pain relief. Try to reposition the luxated tooth back to its normal position using gentle to moderate finger pressure. The patient is then instructed to gently hold the tooth in position. Obtain definitive dental care as soon as possible.