Broken tooth,

Tooth knocked out

Toothache

Swelling

Crown off

Denture sore

Extraction post-op care

1. Broken Tooth:

If your tooth breaks, try to save any pieces. If the tooth has a hole that is sensitive you can go to the pharmacy and pick up a product called "Dentemp". Follow the instructions to make your own custom temporary. If the tooth does not have a hole but is sharp, an emory board used gently may smooth it to a tolerable level. Call 981-3047 at your earliest opportunity to schedule an appointment.

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2. Tooth Knocked Out:

If you have a tooth come out "intact", that is roots and all, there is a chance that it may be saved. Quickly, orient the tooth correctly and push the tooth up into the socket the best you can. It is going to hurt so hang on. If pushing the tooth back into the socket is not an option, then put wet kleenex over the socket in the mouth and put the tooth in your cheek or in a glass of milk. Go to the dental office right away if the accident occurs during the day or to the Emergency room of the closest hospital if the accident occurs at night. If the tooth can be transplanted within 2 hours the chances of successful re-implantation are pretty darn good.

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3. Toothache:

There are many types of toothaches! A pain that starts when you bite on something hard or grind your teeth may stop on its own with time, avoidance and an anti-inflamitory such as aspirin or tylenol.

A constant, dull ache associated with a broken or decayed tooth could be associated with an infection. Call the office as soon as possible for evaluation and probable antibiotic treatment. If the office is closed or the infection is increasing rapidly, go to the hospital emergency room. You will still need to treat the tooth once the infection is cleared.

A toothache that only occurs only when hots, colds, or sweets are eaten requires avoidance of the offending trauma and a call to the office to schedule treatment. If the tooth has a hole please see the section on "Broken teeth".

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4. Swelling:

If your gums, face or cheek begin to swell significantly, call the office immediately. If you get no response to the emergency number in a short period of time, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Treatment for minor, non-painful swelling can probably be delayed until the next day the office is open.

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5. Crown Comes Off:

If a crown comes off, please try not to swallow it or lose it. Place it in a baggie and call the office to have it recemented. If the tooth is very sensitive or if the crown is in a cosmetic area, you can recement it temporarily yourself. Purchase some "Polygrip" or other gel-type denture glue. Dry the tooth gently with kleenex, and put a dab of glue in the crown. Gently place the tooth back in the mouth and avoid eating on it. This temporary fix will usually last up to half a day.

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6. Denture Sore:

These can hurt...a lot. Take the plate out and rinse with warm salt water. Call the office to have the plate adjusted. Do you absolutely need to wear the plate until your appointment? "Orajel for denture sores" provides temporary relief for most people.

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7. Extraction Post-op Care:

Hopefully the surgeon Gave you some instructions. Here are some follow-ups; just in case.

• If the socket is still bleeding profusely after you remove the gauze (not "oozing" which is normal for a few hours) place a wet tea bag onto the area and bite down hard on it for up to one and one-half hours. If the area is still bleeding profusely, call the surgeon or go to the local hospital's emergency room.

• Do not rinse your mouth or spit for the rest of the day. You could lose your blood clot.

• Do not smoke or chew tobacco.

• Eat only soft foods. Do not drink with a straw.

• Rinse with warm salt water the day after the extraction until the hole has closed over.

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