Emergencies

If you or someone you know has an accident, please call us as soon as possible 24 hours a day:

(303) 750-2460

We will see the patient immediately. The first 30 minutes after an accident are the most critical to treating dental trauma.

 

Scenarios

Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

  • Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion.

  • You may briefly rinse the tooth with saline or milk, but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily.

  • Inspect the tooth for fractures.

  • If it is not broken, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient keep the tooth in place by biting on gauze.

  • If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Time is critical. Seek immediate dental care!

  • Note: Primary (baby) teeth are not generally replaced in the socket as this can damage the permanent tooth underneath, however, prompt care by a dentist is recommended.

Broken Tooth

  • Rinse dirt from the injured area with warm water.

  • Place a cold compress over the area of the injury.

  • Locate and save any broken tooth fragments.

  • Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Broken Braces and Wires

  • If a broken appliance can be removed easily, take it out. If it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with wax.

  • If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, do not remove it. Take the patient to a dentist immediately.

  • Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.

Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek

  • Rinse the mouth or area of injury with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide diluted with water (50% water & 50% hydrogen peroxide).

  • If the patient's lip or cheek is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.

Toothache

  • Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.

  • Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.

  • DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the patient's face is swollen, apply cold compresses.

  • Take the patient to a dentist.