Emergency Dental Care

Common Dental Emergencies and Remedies

Here are some of the most common emergencies our office sees and some actions you can take to make you more comfortable until you can see your dentist.

Crown came off

This can be associated with tooth pain to cold or no pain at all (often crowned teeth have had a root canal therapy). Regardless of pain. It is best to temporarily recement your dental crown until you can see your dentist, as teeth can begin shifting very quickly. Most stores will sell some temporary cement near oral health section, but in a pinch you can use fixodent, polygrip, or toothpaste. Do not use superglue as it can be impossible to remove should you put it on incorrectly and the dentist needs to make sure there is no cavity that leaked under your crown. Try the crown on first to make sure you get the proper orientation. After temporarily cemented avoid chewy foods until you see your dentist.

Filling fell out

Typically associated with sensitive to cold and sweets. The pharmacy sells temporary filling material you can place over exposed tooth.

Chipped tooth that is sharp

Orthodontic wax can be placed over sharp area or a temporary filling can help cover sharp area.

Tooth gets knocked out or broken due to trauma (avulsed tooth)

Immediately place tooth or fragment of tooth in milk or saliva ( careful not to swallow) and call dentist immediately treatment has greatest success rate if completed within 20 minutes. DO NOT Wash or scrub tooth or fragments, you could damage the ligaments that aid in re-attachment.

Swollen face

Place ice pack on side of face. NEVER use heat if the swelling is due to infection the problem could worsen. Take ibuprofen to help reduce swelling and see dentist immediately. Often times an antibiotic can be called in to decrease spread until you can be seen. Swishing with salt water can also help deb ride area.

Burn or sore in mouth

Apply orabase over the counter cream and swish with saltwater. Typically burns and sores heal within 7-10 days.

Dental insurance provides the same coverage as traditional crowns. The visit is typically 1-2 hours depending on the number of dental crowns and complexity of the restorations. The best part is you don't have a second visit, a second shot, or a dental temporary crown. Dr. Rairigh is very skilled with the new CEREC technology and the traditional method. If you feel you may be in need of a dental crown, filling, or partial dental crown, Dr. Rairigh will gladly consult with you and give you his insights.

Toothache

Take ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), or Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and avoid hot or cold foods. A warm saltwater rinse can clean area. If accompanied by swelling use ice pack, An over the counter cream or gel containing benzocaine may help. DO NOT place aspirin on the area, it contains acid and can cause burns.