If you are having a dental emergency like a lost tooth or a bad toothache, you need to call our Nashua, NH dental office now at 603-546-7460. Our dentists take same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Even if we are closed, your call will be routed to our on-call doctor. Don’t wait — the sooner you call, the sooner you can get help.
The Three Most Important Things To Do
Any kind of emergency can make you confused and worried. What do you do? What should you not do? The key to staying calm in a dental emergency is knowledge. By knowing how to react, you’ll be able to do so without panic or wasted time.
Here are the three most important things you need to know about dental emergencies.
* STOP THE BLEEDING OR VISIT THE EMERGENCY ROOM
Some dental emergencies involve deep cuts to the inside of your mouth, such as your inner cheek or gums. If you are bleeding, the first thing you need to do is stop it. Take sterile gauze or cloth and apply direct pressure to the wound.
This should stop the bleeding. If it does not, go to your local emergency room. Stopping that blood loss is the most important thing right now.
* CREATE A DENTAL FIRST AID KIT AHEAD OF TIME
This is something you can do right now. Instead of scrambling to find things you need during a dental emergency, you can create your own dental first aid kit at home.
Take a container and label it clearly. Then add the following:
- Our address and phone number (603-546-7460)
- Plastic gloves
- A tiny container with a liquid-tight lid
- Non-aspirin pain relievers
- Sterile gauze
- Dental cement (available in most drugstores)
* CALL 603-546-7460 IMMEDIATELY
The dentists at our Nashua, NH dental office are here for you during emergencies. Call us and explain what happened. From there, we can help you know what to do, which can help you stay calm. We always try to see you as soon as possible, and you’ll be able to contact our on-call doctor if you call outside of our normal business hours. (You can also enter our number in your phone to make calling that much faster.)
Specific Dental Emergency Tips
Knowing what to do for different types of dental emergencies can also help you stay calm. Bookmark this page so you can find it during an emergency.
A filling fell out or a dental crown has come off
For a lost filling, use dental cement as directed to get a temporary replacement that protects your damaged tooth. For a dental crown, use that same dental cement as a temporary adhesive to re-attach the dental crown where it belongs. Both repairs are good for 24-48 hours, so be sure to call us as soon as you can.
You chipped or cracked a tooth.
Stop any bleeding, and call us immediately. Even if there is no pain, you still need to call because anything strong enough to damage enamel could cause damage inside that you cannot see.
A toothache is too painful to deal with.
Take some non-aspirin pain relievers, and use some cold packs on the outside of your mouth. Then have someone call our Nashua, NH dental office for an emergency appointment.
You knocked a tooth loose, but it’s still in place.
Leave that tooth alone. You’ll be tempted to see how loose it is, but don’t — that could just make it fall out. Stop any bleeding, then call Nashua Family Dentistry for an emergency appointment.
You knocked a tooth out.
Get the lost tooth, rinse it gently, then try placing it back in your mouth. If it won’t stay, then place it in a small container with milk or water to cover. Call our dental office for an emergency appointment, and be sure to bring the tooth along with you.
In the end, the best way to stay calm is to call us at 603-546-7460 and let us help. Our dentists have been treating emergency patients for many years. They have the practical experience to know how to help you not just stay calm but get the help you really need.