Temporary Solutions For Dental Emergencies

By Dr. Jay McCarl, Dr. Clayton McCarl, and Dr. David McCarl

It is important to have routine dental hygiene care and a dental exam at least every six months. It is also valuable to select a dentist who provides same day emergency dental treatment. When a dental emergency is causing pain or prevents you from going out in public, your dentist should ask, “How soon can you get to our dental office?”

Pain, swelling, broken teeth and a lost crown are the most common dental emergencies. Sometimes dental emergencies happen when you are traveling or when you just can't get to a dental office. Here are some short term remedies you can try if you are not able to see your dentist immediately.

Tips for a Lost Crown, Veneer or Permanent Bridge If your crown, veneer or bridge has come loose, the primary short term goal is Do NOT swallow or lose it.

If there is any risk of swallowing or losing your crown, veneer or bridge, keep it out of your mouth, store it in a safe place and make an appointment as soon as possible.

Hint a clear sandwich bag or medicine vial is much safer than wrapping it in a tissue or paper towel tissues, napkins and paper towels are often accidently thrown away or simply disappear.

Sometimes a patient can re-seat a crown and have it “snap” into place.

Another temporary solution is to use Vaseline or an FDA approved denture adhesive as a temporary glue. DO NOT use super glue or any other type of permanent glue to hold your crown, veneer or permanent bridge into place.

Emergency Care for a Broken Tooth – Does cold air or water cause pain? If so, you should schedule a visit with your dentist as soon as possible. Do not chew with that tooth. If your sensitivity is caused by a cracked tooth, chewing hard objects can make the crack expand. Early treatment can prevent further damage.

What To Do When a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out

Gently pick up the tooth by the chewing surface being careful to not touch the root of the tooth. If dirty, gently rinse the tooth in water or milk. Do not use soap and do not scrub the tooth or wrap it in a tissue. Try to reposition the tooth in its socket immediately do not use excessive force. The sooner the tooth is replaced the greater the likelihood it will survive. If you cannot get the tooth back into its socket, keep it moist either by carrying the tooth in cool milk or in your mouth do not swallow the tooth.

See your dentist as soon as possible and ideally within 30 minutes. You may also apply a cold compress or even a popsicle to the mouth and gums to decrease pain and bleeding.