Emergencies
TOOTHACHE
Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly. Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water or use dental floss to dislodge any trapped food or debris. DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply a cold compress. Take Tylenol or Motrin for pain and call Dr. Al as soon as possible.
CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK
Apply ice to the bruised area. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call Dr. Al or take your child to the local Emergency Room.
KNOCKED OUT PERMANENT TOOTH
Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the top (crown), not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting on a clean gauze or cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk or water. Contact Dr. Al IMMEDIATELY!! Time is the critical factor in saving the tooth. In the event a baby tooth gets knocked out, re-implanting the tooth is NOT an option as baby teeth will not re-attach. In either situation, evaluation by Dr. Al is necessary as soon as possible.
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 cotton balls, gauze or chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gums, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it. Contact Dr. Al immediately. Loose or broken appliances which do not bother the child do not require emergency attention.
BROKEN TOOTH
Rinse dirt or debris from the injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the event of facial injury. Locate and save the broken tooth fragments. Contact Dr. Al immediately.
POSSIBLE BROKEN JAW
If a fractured jaw is suspected, try to keep the jaws from moving by using a towel, tie or handkerchief, then take the child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
BLEEDING AFTER BABY TOOTH HAS FALLEN OUT
Fold and pack a clean gauze or cloth over the bleeding area. Have the child bite on the gauze with pressure for 15 minutes. This may be repeated once. If the bleeding persists you may contact Dr. Al.
COLD/CANKER SORES
Many children occasionally suffer from cold sores or canker sores. Usually over the counter preparations give relief. In some instances some serious illnesses may begin as sores, it is important to have a dental evaluation if these sores persist.
AFTER HOURS EMERGENCY
Dr. Al feels that it is in the best interest of his patients to provide emergency coverage on a 24 hour basis. In the event your child is experiencing a true dental emergency, you should call the office at (606) 437-1461 and follow the after hours emergency instructions. Dr. Al will discuss the problem with you and make the appropriate recommendations for your child.
