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What should you do if you have a dental emergency? Please call us immediately. A few days or even hours can make the difference between saving a tooth, or suffering with a difficult or even dangerous infection. Here are some helpful tips for dental emergencies.

What do I do if. . .

I have tooth pain? Causes of tooth pain vary, ranging from decay, infection, gum disease, teeth grinding, trauma, and bite problems. If severe headaches accompany your tooth pain, this may be a sign of TMJ disorder or even heart disease. If your tooth is sensitive to temperature or sweets, you may have a cavity. You should see Dr. Curtis immediately before your decay penetrates the pulp and creates the need for a root canal.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Avoid rinsing with alcohol.
• Never place aspirin next on your gum or cheek, as this can burn tissues.
• Do not apply cold or hot compresses to the outside of the face. Depending on the cause of pain, this can worsen the problem.

I have a broken tooth? Rinse your mouth out with warm water and come in as soon as possible to prevent permanent nerve damage. Never attempt to glue a natural tooth back together. Harmful chemicals in the glue may pose serious health risks

My child knocked their tooth out? Do not scrub the tooth or touch the root, which contains fibers and cells that are important for reattachment.  If possible, gently place the tooth in the socket until you reach our Bridgeport, Trumbull dental office. You can also immerse the tooth in milk. Milk is sterile, has a neutral pH and contains enzymes and proteins that can temporarily protect the tooth.  

My denture broke? If you wear dentures or partial dentures and a tooth or clasp breaks, you should wear your spare dentures to prevent further damage. If you don’t have a spare set, please see Dr. Curtis as soon as possible. Do not attempt to repair the problem yourself with crazy glue or other temporary products as they will make your professional repair more costly and difficult.

My crown fell out? A temporary crown can be re-cemented with toothpaste or denture adhesive. Be sure to dry your natural tooth before attempting to replace the temporary crown. If a permanent crown falls out, see Dr. Curtis immediately so he can determine whether the crown can be reattached.

We reserve time in our day to treat dental emergencies. Prompt attention will prevent extensive dental work in the future. Our Bridgeport, Trumbull dental office is conveniently located in the Commerce Park Professional Center. We accept most dental insurance and offer no-interest and extended payment plans, so you can get the care you need.