How to Handle Dental Emergencies

by | May 26, 2015

the only way to fix an underbite is with professional intervention.

Oh, no! Your child was playing baseball on a Hendricks County ball diamond, and he got hit in the face and knocked out a tooth. Or, while you’re at the movies, you bit down on a popcorn kernel and now your tooth is killing you. Or, your daughter was eating some gummy candies and her filling came out. Do you know what to do in any of these dental emergencies?
First, you should never ignore any dental emergency. When chipped or broken teeth, lost fillings, or sudden, severe pain and swelling is left untreated, these dental problems could become more serious – and potentially require more extensive and costly treatment.
Here is a list of some common dental emergencies and what you can do to help relieve pain and prevent more damage.

  • Toothaches – Rinse your mouth with warm water. Floss to remove any food that may be lodged between your teeth. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek if it’s swollen. Get in to see Dr. Jon Erickson at Danville Family Dentistry ASAP.
  • Chipped or broken teeth – Save any pieces of the tooth that you can. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If there’s any bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth, cheek or lip near the broken or chipped tooth to reduce swelling. Call our Hendricks County office at 317-745-4400 right away.
  • Knocked-out tooth – Retrieve the tooth. Hold it by the crown and rinse with water. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, put the tooth back in place, but don’t force it into the socket. If you can’t replace it, put the tooth in a small container of milk. Call Dr. Erickson immediately. Knocked-out teeth are more likely to be saved if Dr. Erickson can replace the tooth in its socket within an hour of it being knocked out.
  • Lost filling – As a temporary fix, until you can get into our office, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity or apply an over-the-counter dental cement. Then come see us without delay.

To avoid dental emergencies in the first place:

  • Avoid chewing on ice, popcorn kernels and hard candies.
  • Avoid eating sticky foods like caramel and taffy.
  • Make sure all of your Hendricks County athletes wear a mouth guard when participating in sports.
  • Brush and floss regularly to maintain strong, healthy teeth.
  • Visit Danville Family Dentistry for regular checkups.