Trauma-Related Emergencies

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Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

• If you can see a dentist right away, you'll have a higher chance of saving your knocked-out tooth. Teeth that are reinserted in the socket within 1 hour of being knocked out have the highest chance of being saved.

• Pick up the tooth by the crown only (avoiding the root) and gently rinse off the root in cold water; be careful not to remove any attached tissue fragment on the root.

• Gently insert the tooth in the socket if you can, facing it the right way. Never force it. If necessary, bite on gauze or napkin to hold it in place.

• If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put the tooth in a suitable storage medium. Milk or saline also works well. If these are not available, it can be stored in the patient's mouth between the cheek and teeth, and in young children in a container with their saliva.

• Visit the dentist as quickly as possible to have the tooth reimplanted (if not already done) and splinted.

• NOTE: Never place a baby tooth back in the mouth.

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Displaced Tooth

• The tooth can be pushed inward or outwards and/or may be loose.

• If possible you try to move the tooth gently back into its original position and bite on a gauze or napkin to hold it in place.

• Seek dental care immediately to have the tooth repositioned (if not already done) and splinted.

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Fractured Tooth

• Find the broken piece and store it in water or milk. The dentist may be able to bond it back to the tooth. 

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Lacerations and Bleeding

• Rinse the area with warm saltwater.

• If bleeding, apply pressure with a moist gauze or tea bag for 15-20 minutes.

• If the bleeding does not stop, continue to apply pressure and seek emergency care.

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Soft Tissue Trauma

• Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.

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Jaw Fracture

• If you cannot open your jaws properly or your teeth do not come together normally, you should be screened for a possible fracture.

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Non-Trauma Related Emergencies

 

Toothache

• Clean any irritating debris by rinsing with warm saltwater and flossing gently.

• Avoid anything that stimulates the pain such as cold and hot foods, sweets, or chewing.

• Sipping cold water may provide temporary relief for a severe toothache

• Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen (if not allergic to it).

• A dentist can provide stronger pain medication, and also prescribe antibiotics if the pain is related to an infection.

• Often severe pain can only be relieved by starting a root canal or removing the tooth.

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Swelling/Infection​

• Swelling usually indicates an infection and the patient should seek immediate dental care

• The dentist will determine the cause of the infection. The infection may be drained. Pain medication and antibiotics are usually prescribed.

• Infections, where the swelling is large and spreading near the eye or throat, can be life-threatening. In these situations, you will be referred to a hospital emergency department for treatment.

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Broken Tooth, Lost Filling, or Uncemented Crown

• See a dentist as soon as possible.

• Avoid chewing if possible.

• Keep the area as clean as possible.

• If it has a sharp edge or an exposed area that is sensitive, you can cover it with over-the-counter dental cement or dental wax