When dental emergencies happen unexpectedly, our East Hartford team will be here for you. It’s important to stay calm and contact our office right away; we will provide guidance about how to handle the situation in the short-term and also help you plan a time to come into the office as soon as possible. In many cases, we are able to provide same-day care and immediate relief so that you can return to your regular routine without delay.
If a tooth is suffering from intense, throbbing pain, there may be an infection in its pulp (the soft substance in the tooth’s inner chamber). Over the counter pain relievers may be able to take the edge off your discomfort, but seeking prompt professional treatment is essential. You may need root canal therapy.
Collect any broken piece of the tooth and bring them with you to your appointment. In the meantime, avoid chewing with the tooth. If it has sharp, jagged edges, you can cover them with sugar-free gum to protect the nearby soft tissues in your mouth.
Pick up the tooth by its top part, and gently rinse off any debris. Then, attempt to put the tooth back in it socket. If that is not possible, tore it in a glass of milk or water. If you receive professional treatment within an hour or two of when the tooth gets knocked out, we may be able to splint it back into place.
You may be able to temporarily reattach a lost crown with denture adhesive or a dab or toothpaste (do not force it onto the tooth if the fit isn’t right). Try to avoid using the tooth to chew. When you get to our office, we might be able to permanently reattach the restoration or provide you with a new one altogether.
You can drastically reduce your chances of suffering from a dental emergency if you apply the following tips:
