Your Agoura Hills Dentists help you prepare for dental emergencies…

No one plans on an emergency but it’s not a bad idea to brush up on some dental emergency tips before you need them.

Dental Emergency: Chronic toothache

Rinse out your mouth with warm water. You can use salt water as well. Gently floss around the area. Do not rub aspirin on the aching tooth or gum. NEVER use aspirin or any other painkiller because it may burn the gum tissue. If your face swells, use a cold press.

Always follow up in our office after a dental emergency

Dental Emergency: Knocked out tooth

Retrieve the tooth if you can, always holding it by the crown or the part that is exposed above the gum line. Rinse the root of the tooth with water. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments.

If possible, try to put the tooth back into place; making sure it’s properly in place. Never force the tooth into the socket.

If it’s not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk or cup of water with a pinch of salt if milk isn’t available. See Agoura Hills dentists Dr. Kessler or Dr. Resnick as soon as possible.

Dental Emergency: Broken or Chipped tooth

Save any pieces you can. Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. See your Agoura Hills dentists Drs. Kessler or Resnick as soon as possible.

Dental Emergency: Lost crown

If the crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. If you can’t get to the dentist right away and the tooth is causing pain, use a cotton swab to apply a little clove oil to the sensitive area (clove oil can be purchased at your local drug store or in the spice aisle of your grocery store).

If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use a household adhesive such as glue!

Agoura Hills dental services includes after-emergency care

Dental Emergency: Lost Filling

Place a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity. Gum with sugar will cause pain. You can also use over-the-counter dental cement. And of course, see your Agoura Hills dentists Drs. Resnick and Kessler.

Dental Emergency: Broken braces wires

If a wire breaks or sticks out of a bracket or band and is poking your cheek, tongue, or gum, try using the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position.

If you can’t reposition the wire secure it until you can get to your orthodontist’s office. Never cut the wire, as you could end up swallowing it or breathing it into your lungs.

Dental Emergency: Abscess

Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, with the infection possibly spreading to other parts of the body if left untreated. Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums.

Dental Emergency: Broken Jaw

In the event of jaw injury, secure the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Please go to an emergency room. And please follow up with your Agoura Hills dentists Drs. Kessler and Resnick.

Injury assessment after a dental emergency is important

Dental Emergency: Soft-tissue injuries

Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can result in bleeding.

To control the bleeding, here’s what to do:
• Rinse your mouth with mild salt-water
• Use a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to apply pressure to the bleeding site. Hold in place for 15 to 20 minutes.
• To both control bleeding and relieve pain, hold a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.

If the bleeding doesn’t stop, see your Agoura Hills dentists Dr. Resnick or Kessler right away or go to a hospital emergency room. Continue to apply pressure on the bleeding site with the gauze until you can be seen and treated.

Cold or Canker Sores

Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. If sores persist, visit your dentist.

At Kessler & Resnick, we know that dental emergencies can be scary or painful. We have an after hours emergency number and will be here when you need us.