WHAT IS A TRUE EMERGENCY?
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Toothache: Clean the area of the affected tooth. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge any food that may be impacted. If the pain still exists, contact your child's dentist. Do not place aspirin or heat on the gum or on the aching tooth. If the face is swollen, apply cold compresses and contact your dentist immediately.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek: Apply ice to injured areas to help control swelling. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding cannot be controlled by simple pressure, call a doctor or visit the hospital emergency room.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: If possible, find the tooth. Handle it by the crown, not by the root. You may rinse the tooth with water only. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient's saliva or milk. If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient's mouth (beside the cheek). The patient must see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth.
Knocked Out Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist during business hours. This is not usually an emergency, and in most cases, no treatment is necessary.
Chipped or Fractured Permanent Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling. If possible, locate and save any broken tooth fragments and bring them with you to the dentist.
Chipped or Fractured Baby Tooth: Contact your pediatric dentist.
Severe Blow to the Head: Take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately.
Possible Broken or Fractured Jaw: Keep the jaw from moving and take your child to the nearest hospital emergency room.
ORTHO EMERGENCIES
You may be able to solve many braces problems temporarily by yourself until Dr. Pabst, Dr. Deukmedjian or Dr. Roth can schedule you a repair appointment if needed. These problems are not likely to cause a delay in your treatment.
If you feel you are unable to handle a problem on your own, please call the office as soon as possible at 818-346-6282.
Loose bracket or band: If your band or bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. If uncomfortable, place wax on it. If it comes out completely, wrap band or bracket in tissue and place in a small box or plastic bag.
Loose wire: Try to place wire back in place with tweezers. If that is not possible, clip the wire with fingernail clippers behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. If any discomfort, place wax on it.
Poking wire: Try to push the sticking wire down with a spoon or eraser. If not possible, place wax on it.
Lost rubber band or elastic tie: Tell Dr. Roth at your next visit.
Soreness: Use warm saltwater rinses and/or Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If this does not improve within 24 hours, call Dr. Roth.
Headgear does not fit: Sometimes this is caused by not wearing the headgear as prescribed! If facebow is bent, call Dr. Roth immediately.
Loose appliance: If appliance is sticking or poking, place wax on it.