Tooth Emergency Boise Idaho
Emergency Tooth Care Dental Specialist
A knocked out tooth, broken or chipped tooth can cause panic in any parent, but quick thinking and staying calm are the best ways to approach such common dental emergencies and prevent additional unnecessary damage and costly dental restoration. This includes taking measures such as application of cold compresses to reduce swelling, and of course, contacting our office (208) 377-2160 as soon as possible. Lifesmiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry handles tooth emergency's from all areas like Boise, Eagle, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley areas.
Remember these steps when experiencing an emergency tooth care situation.
1. If the tooth is knocked out, broken, chipped or fractured and there is no other damage requiring hospital care, go to the dentist within 2-5 hours. Quick action can save the tooth, do not touch the tooth root to prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. If the tooth root is dirty, rise with lukewarm water and take to the dentist. The dentist can smooth minor chips. The tooth may also need to be restored with a composite filling.
2. Stop any bleeding by applying direct gentle pressure to the gums. If an upper tooth, apply pressure to the gums above the tooth. If a lower tooth, apply pressure to the gums below the tooth. Do NOT press directly on the broken tooth.
3. Rinse the mouth with warm water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
4. Find the broken tooth fragments and bring the pieces with you, they may be able to be "cemented" back together
5. To avoid further aggravation from the damaged tooth, place a piece of soft wax into the area that was chipped. You can also try Dentemp or Tempanol for temporary filling material.
6. Eat only soft foods. Chew your food avoiding the problem side of your mouth. Avoid food and drink that are hot or cold, eat only lukewarm.
7. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-substitutes that thin the blood and can slow clotting. Try 400-800 mg of ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or 200-400 mg of naproxen sodium (Aleve)...if you are not allergic or have any medications that could interact with these medications. Follow instructions on the bottle and your doctors instructions.
Remember the longer you wait when a tooth is bothering you before you go to the dentist the more difficult it is for the dentist to treat you comfortably.
We hope you find this web site useful and invite you to contact us with your questions at any time.
Call us at 208-377-2160
