Any injury to teeth or gums should not be ignored, since it can increase the risk of permanent damage as well as need of far more extensive and expensive treatment later on.
If you have any of the following problems, please call us immediately at (916) 817-8900 and explain the symptoms to the staff, so we may arrange to have doctor examine you on the same day.
Severe toothache
Thoroughly brush and floss. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. You may take over the counter pain medication as prescribed on the bottle. Never put aspirin or other painkillers against aching tooth as it may burn the gums. Call us immediately.
Chipped or broken tooth
Rinse the mouth using warm salt water. If there is any bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes. You may use a cold compress outside the mouth to control swelling. Call us immediately.
Lost filling
As a temporary measure, you may apply over-the-counter dental cement. You may use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve pain, if any. Call us immediately.
Loose crown
If the crown is loose or falls off, call us to make an appointment for re-cementation. You may use over-the-counter painkillers to relieve pain, if any. If you cannot see us right away, you may want to clean the crown and place it back on the tooth using denture adhesives such as Fixodent, or Polident. Please do not use Superglue!
Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage the tissue and surrounding teeth. If left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of body.
Please call our office immediately if you see an abscess or puss coming out from or near teeth. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day.