Dental Emergency in Bullhead City or Area

1.  What should you do when a tooth is knocked out? 

When a tooth has been entirely knocked out of its socket, fast action can save the tooth. 

Placing the tooth back in within 15 minutes often results in a good outcome for the tooth. 

1. Pick up the tooth by its top not its root. 
2. Gently rinse the tooth with milk or filtered water and do not touch its root. Keep the tooth moist and do not scrub or rub it. 
3. Immediately after rinsing gently place the tooth into the socket with careful finger pressure. Keep light pressure on the tooth and contact us right away. 
4. If the tooth cannot be placed back in the socket, put it in one of the following: milk, the patient's mouth (no biting or chewing on it), an emergency tooth kit, or, if nothing else is available, water with a pinch of salt. CONTACT US RIGHT AWAY. 
5. Ideally, a tooth should not be out of its socket for more than 30 minutes. It still may be possible to save a tooth that has been out for longer if it is treated properly. 

2.  What should you do when you have a broken or fractured tooth? 

Teeth may break for many reasons. It is very important to see your dentist regularly to detect problems before they become  emergencies 

1. Stop any bleeding by applying direct pressure to the bleeding area with gauze, cotton, or paper towels. Do not press directly on a tooth if the area around the tooth is bleeding. 
2. Get to our office immediately. The quicker you see a dentist the better the outcome. Call us as soon as possible. 
3. A broken tooth exposes the nerve which may cause extreme pain. Do not take aspirin or related drugs. Do not place any medicine directly on the tooth. Contact us for advice on relieving the pain. 
4. It may be possible to save the tooth with root canal treatment or other restorative methods. 

3.  What should you do with a broken bridge, crown, denture, or partial? 

1. Bring all the pieces of the broken bridge, crown, denture, or partial with you. We may be able to repair it or use it as a temporary appliance until a new one is made. We need to see how it broke in order to best advise on how to prevent this from happening again. 
2. We will work as quickly as possible to repair or make you a new denture, bridge, partial or crown. 

4.  What should you do if you have swelling or an abscess? 

Swelling and abscesses are symptoms of a mores serious problem or infections and should be treated immediately 

1. Make an appointment with us immediately. Usually accesses signal an infection and need treatment. Don't attempt to treat this yourself or you may aggravate the situation even more. These situations are very serious requiring immediate professional treatment. 
2. Do not apply ice! 
3. Do not place asprin on a tooth! 
4. Do not rely on over-the-counter medications! 

5.  What Should I do if I have a tooth-ache? 

Tooth aches can be caused by many things. It is best to schedule an appointment with us right away or call us for emergency treatment. 

1. Do not place apsrin or any other medicine on the tooth or gums surrounding the tooth. 
2. Do not take aspirin or aspirin-related drugs. 
3. Take non-asprin pain relievers purchased over the counter and as directed on their package. 
4. Do not place ice on the tooth. 
5. Call our office at 928-758-8887 right away for an appointment or emergency visit. 

6.  What should I do if I have a cut or laceration? 

Cuts and lacerations are serious and can cause cosmetic deformities, excessive blood loss, or even death if left untreated. Contact us or the emergency room at the hospital right away. 

1. Place a gauze, tissue, paper towel, towel, or clean bandage material on the wound and apply firm pressure. Contact our office or go directly to the hospital emergency room right away. 
2. Do not place anything into the cut. 

7.  What shall I do if I have an emergency not listed in any of the other questions? 

Call our office at (928) 758-8887 as soon as possible and remain calm. 

8.  How shall I care for myself after surgery? 

1. You have just undergone a surgical procedure. The extent of the discomfort and swelling which you experience is, in a large part, controlled by you. 
2. It is both normal and expected to experience bleeding and some discomfort following a dental extraction. If a tooth is surgically removed or sectioned for removal, then swelling of the cheek can be expected. 
3. Swelling should reach its maximum in 24 to 48 hours and diminish after that. 
4. The most discomfort which you will experience will be during the period when sensation returns to your mouth. Take all medication as directed. Medication is prescribed principally to control pain and prevent infection. Most minor discomfort can be controlled by taking two Ibuprofen or two Tylenol every 4 hours not both. Please read contra indications on the package label. 
5. Bite on the gauze placed in your mouth at the end of the procedure for at least 30 minutes. If bleeding continues at a significant rate, place another gauze in your mouth over the surgery site and bite down on it again until the bleeding is stops. No damage results from biting on gauze for periods of time up to 24 hours. Minor bleeding or oozing for the first 12 to 24 hours is to be expected. 
6. Apply ice to the face over the operative site if instructed by your doctor. Place ice cubes into a plastic bag, wrap this in one layer of towels and hold against your face for no more than 20 minutes per hour on the day of the surgery only!!! The ice will diminish the swelling, but will not prevent all swelling. 
7. Diet varies from patient to patient. It is usually best to start with soft foods and liquids and return to a normal diet as tolerated. Do not eat until feeling returns to the mouth, and DO NOT USE STRAWS. 
8. Drink an adequate fluid intake of at least two quarts of fluid a day. 
9. You should refrain from spitting or heavy rinsing of your mouth for two days, also DO NOT SMOKE or drink alcoholic beverages for two days following surgery. These precautions prevent a loss of blood clotting and dry sockets. 
10. If you experience fever, swelling or an increase in pain two days after the surgury  you should call us at (928) 758-8887 immediately 

9.  How should I care for myself after a root canal? 

It is possible that your tooth and its surrounding gum tissue may be somewhat tender for several days following a root canal due to the previous condition of your tooth and manipulation within the root during treatment. There is no cause for alarm since this is a perfectly normal reaction. Any pain medications or antibiotics prescribed by the doctor may be taken to help the body's response to treatment received. While the tooth is tender, avoid chewing in the area. Generally, discomfort between visits does not affect the outcome of the treatment. If you have any questions or problems concerning you treatment, or if swelling develops, do not hesitate to call our office any time. 

10.  How should I care for my denture or partial? 

Your dentures are more than an expense for you. They are your means to eat and speak and vital to your appearance. As such they should be cared for carefully. Here are some items you should know: 

1. Do not soak your dentures in bleach. This will destroy your dentures. 
2. Do not try to adjust your dentures yourself. This will lead to the destruction of your dentures and cause potential discomfort. 
3. Do not keep your dentures in places where your pets have access. Pets love to chew on them.
4. Do not keep your dentures in your mouth all the time. The tissue in your mouth needs time to rest. Keep the dentures out while you sleep. SOAK THEM IN A MOUTH RINSE OR DENTURE SOLUTION while they are out of your mouth. 
5. If your dentures make your mouth sore come see us. 
6. Do not try to repair a denture yourself. You will save money, time and hassles if you let us fix it correctly for you. 
7. Brush your dentures daily like you would your own teeth. This will keep them looking good and free of tartar. 
8. Even with dentures you still need annual dental visits to check for oral diseases and fit of the denture.