Cosmetic Dentistry

Here are some basic guidelines on how to handle common dental emergencies:

• Toothache – see your dentist as soon as you feel pain or discomfort.
• Broken, chipped or cracked tooth – rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to your face and see your dentist right away. If the tooth was broken or chipped – bring the tooth fragment wrapped in wet gauze or a wet towel.
• Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth – due to trauma, call your dentist. If the tooth was knocked out – if at all possible, gently insert the lost tooth back in its socket simply by holding the tooth by the crown using a clean washcloth. (In the event that the tooth is dirty, first rinse the root, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue). If reinsertion is not possible, hold the tooth under the tongue and see your dentist immediately.
• Broken Jaw – apply ice or cold compress to the face, go to your dentist or an emergency center immediately.
• Bitten Tongue or Lip – clean the area with a wet cloth, apply a cold compress on the area to reduce swelling. If bleeding persists or is too excessive, go to your dentist or emergency center.