A knocked-out tooth or a sudden, severe toothache is frightening. Knowing what to do in the first hour can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
A knocked-out adult tooth
Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in milk. Try to push it gently back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If that is not possible, keep it in milk and get to a dentist within the hour.
A broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any pieces. A cold compress on the cheek reduces swelling. Even if it does not hurt, a broken tooth should be seen within a day or two, because the inner layers are exposed.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and use floss to remove anything trapped between teeth. Take painkillers as directed on the pack. Never put an aspirin against the gum; it burns the tissue.
Swelling
Swelling of the face or gum can be a sign of an abscess, which needs treatment quickly. If swelling spreads towards the eye or neck, or you find it hard to swallow or breathe, go to a hospital emergency department straight away.
A lost filling or crown
Keep the crown and avoid chewing on that side. A pharmacy temporary filling material can protect the tooth for a day or two until you can see a dentist.
If you are in pain, call us on +971 6 555 0142. We keep time free every day for urgent appointments.
Pearl Bay Dental Clinic is a fictional demo business. This website is a test site and offers no real dental services.
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