Help! My Tooth Came Out!

And Other Dental Emergencies...

Knowing what steps to take during a dental emergency can make a difference between losing and keeping a tooth. However, the first step is to always remain calm. Here are some suggestions for treating dental emergencies:

If the tooth has been knocked-out

It needs to be cleaned. Hold the tooth by the crown under running water and replace it in the socket. The sooner this is done, the better as the tissues that attach teeth to bone dry out and die over time. If the tooth is replaced within 30 minutes it usually reattaches itself. Once the tooth is back in the socket, bite down normally to ensure proper positioning. If you can’t put your tooth back in, you can transport it in milk or water—don’t let it dry out.

Broken tooth

Clean the mouth by gently rinsing with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. We can usually repair a broken tooth almost invisibly. BE SURE TO BRING WITH YOU THE PART OF THE TOOTH THAT IS BROKEN OFF!

Loose fillings

If a filling comes out, come in and see us right away.

Loose crown

A loose crown can be temporarily fixed in place with Fixadent or some other denture adhesive. Make an appointment to have the crown properly cemented as soon as possible in order to maintain the proper spacing between adjoining teeth and under the gums.

Coulter Family Dentistry staff members are trained to handle a wide range of dental emergencies. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, please call: 574.271.8771