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The DOs and DON’Ts of Dental Emergencies

Please select a topic from the list below:   


Broken Denture or Bridge

DO:

  • Save all pieces.
  • If possible, keep denture or bridge in your mouth.
  • Call your dentist during office hours.

DON'T:

  • Don't try to repair it yourself with 'super glue' or by other means. This can permanently ruin your denture or bridge.

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Loose or Lost Crown

DO:

  • Keep crown in a safe place.
  • Call the dentist during office hours.
  • Toothpaste or denture adhesive may be use to temporarily cement crown back on the tooth if you are unable to see a dentist right away, and only if you are able to seat it properly on tooth.

DON'T:

  • Don't eat hard, sticky or chewy foods in area of the crown.
  • Don't attempt to cement crown back on with 'super glue' or anything other than toothpaste or denture adhesive.

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Bleeding Gums

DO:

  • Rinse your mouth four times a day with one-half teaspoon of salt in four ounces of warm water.
  • Brush and floss, even if bleeding continues.
  • Call your dentist during office hours.

DON'T:

  • Don't wait to see your dentist. Bleeding may be a sign of gum disease, which is correctable at early stages.

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Canker Sore

DO:

  • Use a topical ointment such as 'Orabase' or 'Orajel' for temporary relief.
  • If many sores are present, rinse with a mixture of 1/2 Benedryl Elixir, 1/2 Kaopectate.
  • Call your dentist if the sore persists for more than 10 days.

DON'T:

  • Don't place aspirin directly on the sore.
  • Don't expect complete healing for 7-10 days.

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Toothache, Broken Filling or Tooth

DO:

  • If painful, take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or aspirin.
  • If there is mild pain or no pain, call dentist during office hours.
  • If pain is severe or swelling is apparent, call the dentist as soon as possible.

DON'T:

  • Don't eat hard, sticky or sweet foods.
  • Don't consume hot or cold foods and drinks.
  • Don't place heat on the area.
  • Don't place aspirin on or near the tooth.

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Jaw Stiffness or Pain

DO:

  • Take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve).
  • Alternate moist heat (warm washcloth or hot water bottle) for 20 minutes with cold (ice pack) for 20 minutes.
  • Call the dentist during office hours.

DON'T:

  • Don't stress your jaw joint by chewing hard or sticky foods, including ice and gum.
  • Don't ignore jaw pain or stiffness – it may be a symptom of TMJ disorder, which is treatable by the dentist.

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Wisdom Tooth Pain

DO:

  • Keep the area clean by brushing and flossing properly.
  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or aspirin.
  • Call the dentist during office hours.

DON'T:

  • Don't place aspirin on or near the tooth.
  • Don't wait to call the dentist

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Chipped Baby Tooth

DO:

  • If painful, give the child baby Tylenol.
  • If swollen, place ice on the area (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off).
  • If there is mild or no pain, call the dentist during office hours.
  • For severe pain, call the dentist as soon as possible.

DON'T:

  • Don't place heat on the area.
  • Don't eat sweet foods or eat or drink anything very hot or cold.

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Teething Pain

DO:

  • The following usually helps: cold objects (cold teething ring), teething ointment, firm finger massage.

DON’T:

  • Don’t leave unsafe objects where baby can get them; your baby may want to chew on them.

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Emergency Instructions

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