Dental Emergency Instructions
The DOs and DON’Ts of Dental Emergencies
Here are helpful instructions for some of the most common dental emergencies and tooth pain conditions. For emergency dental services, call us at (316) 773-6161 and we will get you in as soon as possible.
Do
- Save all pieces.
- If possible, keep denture or bridge in your mouth.
- Call the 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.
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.
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 the 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
If you have any questions or need to schedule an emergency dental appointment, contact us at (316) 773-6161
