Self Help for Dental Emergencies. Click on options below:
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- Find the tooth. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part usually visible in the mouth) not by the root (the pointed end). DO NOT scrub the tooth or place in disinfectant.
- If the tooth is clean. Hold it by the crown and gently push it back into its socket, making sure that it is the right way round. This is usually painless if done immediately after the accident.
- If the tooth is dirty. Rinse (not scrub) with milk or cold water before gently pushing it back into place.
- Hold the tooth in place. Bite onto a handkerchief and go to the dentist immediately for advice.
- Place it in a cup of milk. When milk is not available place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and gums.
- Do Not Let the tooth become dry.
- Do Not place the tooth in disinfectant.
Go to your dentist immediately.
- Time is of the essence as the outlook rapidly gets worse if the tooth is out for more than 30 minutes.
- If this is not possible contact NHS Direct on 111
- or go to casualty at Manchester Royal Infirmary or North Manchester General.
- Gently reposition the tooth with your finger - but don't force it back into the socket
- Use a moist tissue, or gauze, to gently hold the tooth in place
- Call the practice to arrange an emergency appointment
- Permanent teeth that have been moved in their sockets need to be repositioned as soon as possible. Even if they don’t appear to have been moved it is wise to get the situation assessed as the nerves of the teeth can be affected by relatively minor blows and may need further treatment.
- Call the practice to arrange an emergency appointment
- It's crucial that your dentist assesses the damage and decides on appropriate treatment as soon as possible
- Minor fractures can be repaired using a sandpaper disc or a composite restoration
- Moderate fractures can be restored with a crown
- Severe fractures can't always be restored but they can be replaced by an artificial tooth
If it looks really bad, with displaced or very loose teeth, possible fracturing of the jaws or severe laceration of the lips or if it is late at night then go immediately to a local casualty department, ideally one with an Oral Surgery Department. e.g. Manchester Royal Infirmary or North Manchester General.
If the crown is hollow or on a post you may be able to replace this temporarily using sugar free chewing gum, or emergency cement from a pharmacist.
Do not use super glue, this can very quickly kill the nerve in a tooth and cause an acute abcess. If the Crown is filled with hard white or brown material the tooth may have broken and re cementing may be difficult even for your dentist.
Again you may be able to temporarily fill the hole with sugar free chewing gum, or temporary filling material from your pharmacist.We do stock these emergency kits if you want to have one for possible use e.g. on Holiday.
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