IMPORTANT UNDERSTANDING FOR MOST EMERGENCIES: DO NOT USE HEAT - TREAT SWELLINGS LIKE A SWOLLEN ANKLE - YOU WOULD NOT USE HEAT TO TREAT THIS PROBLEM - ICE IS THE BEST AID FOR SWELLING
- Tooth Avulsion (tooth knocked out - trauma): control bleeding at trauma sites using pressure with guaze or bandage; find tooth quickly and place in milk (not water) or saliva; do not scrape or wipe tooth, use only brief water rinse; see dentist or emergency hospital room immediately to re-implant tooth into socket (successful treatment depends on quickness of replacing tooth back into socket)
- Lost crown (cap): replace crown back onto tooth utilizing denture adhesive cream or drug store product that is made to temporarily seat and hold crown in position - do not eat on loose crown; call dentist to recement
- Broken denture/tooth out of denture - retain all pieces and call dentist; do not attempt to glue or repair on your own; most times this will ruin the denture and prohibit the dentist from repairing
- Swelling: use ice to keep the swelling localized; heat will spread the infection and could cause the bacteria to travel to the brain (death) or prohibit breathing (block the trachea); call dentist immediately; do not start antibiotics unless directed
- Tooth ache/bite pressure: pain can be caused from nerve abscess (hot and cold sensitivity and bite causes dull or generalized pain - this requires root canal treatement or extraction) or pain from cracked tooth (very sharp, quick pain with chewing, some cold sensitivity - this tooth will need a crown to hold the pieces together). Sinus irritation or infection can also mimic a toohtache. Call the dentist when possible to differentiate the cause for this discomfort. Do not start antibiotics unless directed.
- Joint pain - TMJ (temporo mandibular joint) this pain can start at the joint in front of the ear and pain can radiate in the facial muscles, temple area, neck, and lower jaw. The dentist can evaluate the bite, check for cartilage clicking, eccentric jaw movenents, and muscle tenderness to confirm TMJ dysfunction and recommend treatment. Ice compresses (10 min on/off) and avoid chewing hard food or gum and anti-inflammatory medications (Motrin, aspirin, Aleve) can help relieve pain until you see the dentist.
- Hot/cold sensitivity: Hot -- usually means nerve abscess, see the dentist soon; cold -- usually means an irritated nerve from a cavity, exposed root (gum recession) or the beginning of a nerve abscess; may also be from bruxism, worn away tooth enamel, poor bite, sinus irritation or infection. Call dentist for evaluation/cause of sensitivity
- Lost filling: if tooth is sensitive, purchase temporary filling material at the drug store or use sugar-less gum to fill the space until yo can see the dentist. Use an unused nail file/emory board to smooth rough surface if tongue or cheek isirritated. See the dentist soon to avoid nerve damage caused by exposure to oral bacteria.