In light of recent events, Harris Family dental wanted to share some information on what a dental emergency is, and what you should do.
Should you suffer major facial trauma or swelling/toothache, do not hesitate to contact Dr. Harris by calling either 414-771-1228 or 262-207-4851
If you suffer a trauma that knocks a tooth out, call the above numbers immediately and do the following:
- Rinse your mouth and the dislodged tooth. Try not to handle the root of the tooth too much. Do not scrub it.
- If possible, place the tooth back in its socket. Hold it there with a clean piece of gauze or cloth.
- If the tooth cannot be reinserted into the socket, place it in a container with some milk, water or the individual’s saliva to preserve it and bite down on clean gauze or cloth to absorb blood. Change every 15 minutes or as needed.
- Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling.
For other non emergent dental issues, please review the following information.
Fractured tooth/filling with no dental pain.
- If part of your tooth or filling material has broken, and there is no pain, most likely you will not suddenly develop pain.
- Treat the broken area with caution, avoid chewing food on that side of your mouth and make sure you are keeping the area clean. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1 tsp table salt to 6 oz water, mix well, do not swallow) will also help keep the area clean.
- If there is a sharp edge that is causing a sore spot to your cheek or tongue, Your local food or drug store(or online retailer) should carry a temporary dental relief kit that can temporarily cover the broken area. Follow the package instructions and that will provide relief from the sharp edge.
- Please call 414-771-1228 and leave a voicemail, when we reopen we will call you to schedule you for an examination of the tooth.
Dislodged temporary or permanent crown/ bridge
- Treat the area with caution, avoid chewing food on that side of your mouth and make sure you are keeping the area clean. Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1 tsp table salt to 6 oz water, mix well, do not swallow) will also help keep the area clean.
- You may experience some mild cold sensitivity from the exposed tooth/teeth, that is a normal reaction.
- Your local food or drug store(or online retailer) should carry a temporary dental relief kit that is designed to temporarily adhere a crown/bridge back in place. Follow the package instructions and this should help keep the crown or bridge stable.
- If you find the crown/bridge is not stable or secure in your mouth, remove it from your mouth and place it in a secure location until you can be seen.
- Please call 414-771-1228 and leave a voicemail, when we reopen we will call you to schedule you for an examination of the area. Remember to bring the crown/bridge with you.
Sore spot from removable denture appliance
- If the appliance is causing discomfort, wear it as little as possible. When not wearing it, remember to keep the appliance in a moist container.
- Rinsing your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1 tsp table salt to 6 oz water, mix well, do not swallow) will provide some relief to the sore spots and help them heal.
- You can use an over the counter oral pain relief medication to provide relief from the discomfort.
- Please call 414-771-1228 and leave a voicemail, when we reopen we will call you to schedule you for an examination of the area.