Emergency Dentistryin Houston, Texas

Avulsed Tooth (Knocked Out Tooth)

If a tooth has been knocked out of the mouth, it is essential to see a dentist immediately.  Tissues, nerves, and blood vessels become damaged almost immediately, but if the tooth can be placed back into its socket within the hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support it again.

Call your dentist to let them know you’re on the way.  Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown—the top.  Be careful not to touch the root.  If possible, place the tooth back in its socket; if that is difficult, tuck it into the cheek pouch.  If neither of those options work, put it into a cup of milk, saliva, or water, as a last resort.  It’s important to keep the tooth from drying out as you get to the dentist.  The dentist will try to replace the tooth in its natural socket.  It may reattach, or you may need a root canal if the inner mechanisms of the teeth are seriously damaged.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Teeth are strong, but they still can fracture, crack, or break.  These can be painless, but if a crack extends into the root, you may have excruciating pain.  Trauma, grinding, and biting are common causes of cracks and breaks, and you must see a dentist as quickly as possible.

If a segment of tooth has broken off, call your dentist and then rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.  If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the area for ten minutes.  Place a cold, damp towel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.  If you can’t see the dentist immediately, cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement and take a non prescriptionl pain reliever.

The nature of the fracture or break will determine what the dentist is able to do.  If it extends to the root, root canal therapy may be the only way to save the tooth.