PAIN & EMERGENCIES
HOW CAN YOU HELP A TOOTHACHE?
Immediately contact us in case you are suffering from a toothache. Take some recommended pain and anti-inflammatory medication, like Ibuprofen. You should make sure that you read the label first and avoid going over the maximum dose.
IN CASES OF SWELLING, WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
Usually, swelling occurs because of an infection. There might be a slight infection in your gum tissue, or there might even be large amount of abscess that has to be drained. An infected swelling would usually feel quite tender and warm to the touch and may have visible gum tissue redness. You must call us immediately to be seen so you can be accurately diagnosed. After checking your teeth thoroughly, an appropriate treatment would be prescribed, as well as antibiotics.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN CASE YOUR CROWN FALLS OFF?
Make sure to keep your crown secure, so you can have it re-cemented as soon as possible to prevent further damage. Place your crown in a Ziploc bag and store in a safe area where it won’t be mistaken for trash and thrown away. Sometimes, a root canal treatment is recommended. Call us immediately if your crown comes off so we can see you.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN CASE YOU HAVE A BROKEN DENTURE?
Usually, a broken denture is relatively easy to repair. Never attempt to repair it on your own, since this could result in further damage and a more costly repair. Immediately schedule an appointment with us to have your denture repaired.
WHAT ARE DENTAL INJURIES?
Dental injuries include teeth that may be forced out of position, broken or knocked out. Tissue injuries include puncture wounds, tears and lacerations to the tongue, cheek or lips. If there is bleeding due to a tongue laceration, then try to pull the tongue forward and use gauze to put some pressure on it. Injuries to the mouth are generally painful and have to be treated immediately, so please call us as soon this happens.
KNOCKED OUT TEETH
Once a tooth has been knocked out, you should recover it and remove any dirt or debris by washing it. You should not handle the root, so protect the fibers in the root surface. You could try to put the clean tooth back in its socket, since it is possible to re-implant the tooth within 30 minutes of injury. You could alternatively store the tooth inside a glass of cold milk to try to keep it alive. Immediately contact us so that we can schedule an appointment.
EXTRUDING TEETH
If your tooth is pushed inward or outward and is out of place, you should apply a light finger pressure to reposition it to its normal alignment. Do not force it into its socket. Use a moist tissue or gauze to hold the tooth in its place and call us immediately.
FRACTURED TEETH
The treatment of a fractured tooth depends on the degree of its injury. Whatever the degree of damage might be, you should call us to get the appropriate treatment. Do not panic, we can restore a fractured tooth. If it feels painful, try to avoid biting in that area or eating hot or cold foods for the meantime.
MINOR FRACTURE
For a minor fracture, we can smooth the tooth out and minimize the injury or do a composite restoration. Take extra care of your tooth for several days after treatment.
MODERATE FRACTURE
You may have a moderate fracture if there is damage to your enamel, dentin or pulp (tooth nerve). A permanent crown may be used if there is no permanent damage to the nerve. If there was damage, then you would need further treatment. Call us if you have a moderate fracture.
SEVERE FRACTURE
Usually, a severe fracture would mean that the tooth is traumatized and there is little chance of recovery. In the event of a severe fracture, the tooth may need root canal therapy and a permanent crown, or may need to be extracted from the mouth. Do not be concerned, we can subside your pain and fix your smile. Please call us immediately after a severe tooth fracture.
KIDS EMERGENCY
A knocked out tooth or bitten tongue can cause panic in any parent, but quick thinking and staying calm are the best ways to approach such common dental emergencies and prevent additional unnecessary damage and costly dental restoration. This includes taking measures such as application of cold compression to reduce swelling, and of course, contacting our office as soon as possible.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY?
Our doctors at HE Dental want to let you know that if you have a dental emergency, please call us immediately. Our Smithville, Weston, and Plattsburg offices have an emergency line that is checked regularly (816) 873–3260. However, if for some reason you cannot reach us, please go to the Emergency room of the nearest hospital or call 911 if you are immobile. If you have any questions or are experiencing a dental emergency, please contact a member of our team at Hildebrand Estivo Dental in Smithville, Weston, or Plattsburg.