Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can be caused by many factors and prompt treatment is almost always essential. Let our team at Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry alleviate the pain and stress of dental emergencies! If you are experiencing severe pain, contact Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry immediately as pain usually worsens and dental issues can seriously jeopardize physical health.  

Dental Emergencies can include:

Avulsed (knocked out) tooth

When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves, and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again. If the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged, the tooth may not reattach.

Important steps:

  1. Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.
  2. If possible, place it back into its socket – if not tuck it into the cheek pouch.
  3. If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as it is important to keep the tooth from drying out.

Lost filling or crown

Once a filling or crown is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Crowns generally become loose because the tooth beneath is decaying and the crown no longer fits. If the crown does still fit,  it will be reattached to the tooth. If there is decay, it will be treated and a new crown will be made.

Steps for when we are not immediately accessible:

  1. Apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate pain.
  2. Clean the crown, and affix it onto the tooth with dental cement, which can be purchased at a pharmacy.
  3. If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.
  4. DO NOT use any kind of glue to affix the crown.

Cracked or broken tooth

Although the teeth are strong, they can still be prone to fractures, cracks, and breaks, which are generally caused by trauma, grinding, and biting. If the crack extends down into the root, the pain may be extreme. The nature of the break will determine the steps our team will take.

If a tooth is broken:

  1. Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
  2. Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
  3. Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
  4. Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if you cannot see us immediately.
  5. Take a topical pain reliever.

Dislodged or loose teeth

If a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it might be possible to save it. Our team will reposition the tooth and add splints to stabilize it. While awaiting your appointment, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain.

Contact the Implant and Comprehensive Dentistry team in Champions Gate immediately following a dental emergency to schedule an appointment and for further instruction.