Dental Emergency Information
Lost crown
If the crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. If the tooth is causing pain, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area (clove oil can be purchased at your local drug store or in the spice aisle of your grocery store). If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use regular glue as it can be poisonous.
Lost filling
As a temporary measure, place a piece of sugarfree gum into the cavity (regular gum will cause a sensitivity problem) or use an over-the- counter dental cement. Make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.
Objects caught between teeth
First, try using dental floss to very gently and carefully remove the object. If you can’t get the object out, see your dentist. Never use a pin or other sharp object to poke at the stuck object. These instruments can be easily swallowed and can cut your gums or scratch your tooth surface.
Extruded tooth
If your tooth has been avulsed (fallen out completely) due to any trauma, you need to see your dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, hold the tooth by the crown, careful never to touch the root and store it in a saline water cup, milk or even inside the cheek to bathe it in saliva. Using plain water or washing it under tap water is not advised. Press cotton or gauze gently over the bleeding tooth socket until you reach your dentist. Keeping the tooth away from further damage is imperative to allow it to be re-implanted into the mouth. Take an over-the-counter pain medication (such as Advil) if needed.
Chipped or broken teeth
Rinse the mouth using warm water; rinse any broken pieces. Save any pieces. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken/chipped tooth to keep any swelling down and relieve pain. See your dentist as soon as possible.