It is important to know that the trauma of injuries to the mouth and teeth may be reduced if action is taken as soon as the injury occurs. The suggestions below could help to lessen pain, speed the healing process and perhaps even save a tooth following a dental emergency.Toothache
If a toothache develops, gently clean the painful area using a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the gums or tooth, as this may cause a burn. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. Take acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®) and call your dentist as soon as possible.
Lost Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out completely, call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. It is critical to get the injured person and the tooth to the dentist within 30 minutes of the accident, as it may be possible to successfully re-implant the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, place it in enough milk, salt water or saliva to cover the tooth. If none of these are available, use plain tap water. You may also place the tooth between the cheek and gum (unless the patient is a young child who may swallow it).
Loosened Tooth
If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition it using very little pressure. Do not force the tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to the dentist as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place on the way to the dental office with a moist tissue or gauze.
Broken Tooth
First, rinse the mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Immediate dental care is necessary. The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and could range from smoothing out a chipped area to bonding with a tooth-colored material, to placing a crown on the tooth. If there has been damage to the tooth's nerve, root canal therapy may be necessary as well.
Soft Tissue Injury
The tongue, lips or cheeks may be bitten, cut or punctured. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, contact your dentist immediately. Stitches may be necessary. Otherwise, clean the area with warm water on gauze or a clean cloth. Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area and contact your dentist for further instructions. (Reference: American Association of Endodontists (AAE.org), HealthScout News, and ADA.org)
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