An Excellence in Dentistry article which quoted some information found in a blog concerning dental emergencies reminded me that we at Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center see dental emergencies on a daily basis..
Information on what you can do will make the difference between successfully handling the situation and having a miserable time should an emergency occur while you are on a long awaited vacation. So here goes:
WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOME ONE HAS A DENTAL EMERGENCY!

knocked out front tooth with swollen lip injury
1. A tooth is knocked out - First find the tooth, usually it is a front tooth and often it is still in the mouth, although you might need to hunt outside the mouth for it. There will be blood so get over it. looking at the tooth determine which side faces outward. If the tooth has fallen on the ground or has debris on it rinse it off gently without any scrubbing. Now and this is important, place the tooth, root first ,back into the hole it came out of. If it is your tooth and you are alone either feel your way to put the tooth back in or get to a mirror. Time is important here, you are trying to keep the tooth alive. It has the best chance of survival if it is placed and pushed back where it belongs. The blood and nerves have been severed and can re-attach if done quickly. Once you have accomplished this get to the dentist to have the tooth connected to adjacent teeth so it can re-attach to the fibers that held it in place.
If you are unable to re-insert the tooth and it has been rinsed put it in your mouth by your cheek (remember its yours and it’s been there all along) and get to the nearest dentist fast. Another option, if this is a child with a lost permanent tooth, milk is a good substitute medium to place the tooth in while you and the child head for the dentist.

tooth knocked out and lost
What if you can’t find the tooth! You have looked everywhere and it has disappeared or in the case of severe trauma the tooth has been swallowed. Focus on stopping the bleeding with direct pressure over the socket, where the tooth used to be; a gauze two by two, cloth or a damp tea bag work well for this purpose. Sometimes stitches are needed if the gum has been torn so go to the dentist and (s)he can help. Later you can get options to replace the tooth. It isn’t the end of the world even though it is traumatic at the moment.
Dental Emergency? In Colorado Springs call Cheyenne Mountain Dental Center at 719-576-1730 We can help.