Orthodontic True Emergencies – Broken Tooth

Trauma to tooth – tooth came out

If a tooth has been knocked out, do not clean off the tooth.

Call your orthodontist or your dentist immediately to inform them of what has happened.

Upon locating the tooth, hold the enamel end of the tooth, not the pointed end/root.

Do not rinse the tooth in water. Do not scrub the root. You may remove large debris. If possible, put tooth back in socket where tooth was and hold in place with gauze or washcloth. If it is not possible to replace the tooth in its socket, put the tooth into cup of milk or saline solution, or put the tooth between the cheek and gum. Do not put the tooth in plain water.

Apply an ice pack to the affected soft tissue area to reduce swelling Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth can often be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.

Broken tooth

Clean the injured area and apply an ice pack to the effected soft tissue area to reduce swelling.

Save the tip of the tooth (for possible reattachment) and call your dentist right away.

Piece of the Orthodontic Appliance is Swallowed or Aspirated If you are able to see the piece, you may carefully attempt to remove it. But do not make the attempt if you would cause the patient harm.

Encourage the patient to remain calm. If the patient is coughing excessively or having difficulty breathing, the piece could have been aspirated (drawn into the lung).

If there is no coughing or difficulty in breathing, and you suspect the piece has been swallowed, call the patient’s orthodontist for advice and instructions.

If you are unable to see the piece and believe it may be have been aspirated, call 911 (or the appropriate emergency number for your area) and the orthodontist immediately. The patient should be taken to an urgent care facility for an x-ray to determine the location of the piece. A physician will have to determine the best way to remove it.

Author / Source:

American Association of Orthodontics

http://www.braces.org/studentsteachers/emergencies/