Dentist Tallahassee Emergency Info
Tooth Ache
Begin by cleaning around the sore tooth meticulously. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin on the aching tooth or on the gum. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. For temporary pain relief, ibuprofen (advil) or acetaminophen (tylenol) is recommended. See a dentist as soon as possible.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.

Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax, cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; see a dentist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.

Broken Tooth
If a tooth cracks and is not sensitive you may simply call the office the next business day to have it evaluated.  Many times a tooth will fracture and be sensitive to air and cold, but otherwise is not painful.  In this case, try to be careful with it and call the next business day.  Ibuprofen and tylenol work very well on mild to moderate discomfort.  If the tooth is painful and these medications do not help, call the office for emergency contact numbers.

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse the tooth with milk (not water) or clean it in your mouth, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary.  Do not scrub the root.  If possible, reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean piece of gauze or cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk.  Call the office for an emergency contact number.

Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.

Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Fold a piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the gauze for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, see a dentist.

Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.
 
Crown Has Come Off
If a crown has come off and the tooth is not sensitive, you can leave it off until you can come into the office to have it recemented.  It is important that you call the next business day  because teeth can move and make it difficult to replace the crown.
If the tooth is sensitive or in a visible location, you can often times recement the crown temporarily with Dentemp which is available over the counter at the pharmacy.  Remember, this is only temporary and you must come in to have it recemented permanenly.
Sometimes a crown cannot be recemented because the tooth has fractured off inside of the crown or there may be extensive decay undeneath the crown.  Your dentist will have to make that determination.