Dental emergencies come at the most unexpected times. It’s usual happens when it is the most inconvenient such as when you are on vacation and not even near your regular dentist.

One of the most common issues that occurs has to do with people who have crowns. We cannot tell you the number of people who are out eating with friends and all of a sudden, a crown comes off.

Panic sets in and you wonder what you are going to do fix it. Because we specialize in dental emergencies, you can always call our office and we will guide you in what you need to do right away.

One thing you can do to help your situation if you cannot get to the dental office right away is to take a little toothpaste, put it inside the crown and then press the crown back on to the tooth. This is only a temporary fix until you get to the dentist for them to cement it back on.

So What About A Knocked Out Tooth

One of the more common dental emergencies is getting your tooth knocked out. This generally is a result of trauma.

It could be from a car accident or the most common thing is a sporting accident like getting hit in the mouth by a baseball or softball.

Here is what you should do if the tooth is knocked out:

• If it is a child that has had their tooth knocked out, if you can, determine if it is a baby tooth or permanent adult tooth. Baby teeth will not be re-implanted.
• Whatever you do, do not touch the root of the tooth as it has special fibers that may be damaged.
• If it is visibly soiled, then rinse it off with warm tap water.
• If you can, put the tooth immediately back in the socket.
• If putting the tooth back in the socket is not possible, go immediately to a dentist or the nearest emergency department and be sure to take the tooth with you. While en route to medical care, put the tooth back in the mouth next to the cheek or in a small container of milk — not tap water — so that the root stays moist.

It is important to follow these steps in order to save the tooth. We can generally put the tooth back in the socket if these steps are followed.

What About Chipping or Breaking a Tooth

If you have broken, chipped or cracked your tooth, you need to get it seen about as soon as possible. If you are not in pain, then call the office to set up a time to get the most immediate attention. If you are in pain, call us and we will give you instructions on how to proceed so we can get you out of pain.

You will want to get your broken, chipped or cracked tooth seen about right away as bacteria can develop in the cracks and breaks and lead to decay and pain if the nerve becomes exposed.

If you break or crack your tooth and you experience pain while eating or drinking hot or cold liquids, you need to get in the office right away.

Here at Rockwell Dentistry, we handle all types of emergencies and can get you out of pain and feeling great again. Don’t put off getting the help you need. Call us right away so we can help to preserve your natural teeth which is one of your greatest assets.