| 1. My temporary or permanent crown came off. |
If your temporary or permanent crown came off outside regular office hours, use one of the following to hold it in place until we re-open:
- denture adhesive (Fixodent).
- Elmer's glue (nontoxic)--do not use any other glues, especially super glue, which is very toxic and can kill the nerve of the tooth.
- Den-Temp brand of temporary cement--hard to find, but sometimes available at Walgreens and/or Wal-Mart (this is actually the same type of cement we use).
- Toothpaste works if none of the above are available.
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| 2. Can I get a prescription for pain medication or antibiotic? |
If you are a patient under our regular care, meaning that you come in regularly for cleanings and have been seen in our office within the last year, we can phone in a prescription depending on the nature of the problem. If you fall into this category, go to the link below for established patients and you will be directed to Dr. Reid's personal email. Please include your full name and the approximate date you were last seen in our office so we can better locate your record. For new patients and patients not in the above category: unfortunately, it is not possible for us to get you any kind of prescription. Please call for an appointment the next business day, or follow the link below for New Patients. |
| 3. My jaw is swollen: |
Symptoms of a dental abscess typically include pain, swelling, and redness of the mouth and face. With an advanced infection, you can suffer nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and diarrhea.
If you think you have an abscess, call your dentist office if it's during regular office hours. If you cannot reach a dentist, go to the nearest emergency room for evaluation, especially if you feel sick.
If you have intolerable pain, difficulty breathing or swallowing, any of the symptoms of a dental abscess, or you cannot reach your dentist after hours, go to an emergency room.
Avoid applying heat to the abscessed area. Cold is acceptable. |
| 4. My tooth broke, something broke: |
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses if swelling starts. Do not chew on the area and call the office during regular office hours. |
| 5. My tooth/my child's tooth was knocked out: |
Basic instructions: Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Touching the root (the part of the tooth below the gum) can damage cells necessary for bone re-attachment. Gently rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt. Do not scrub. Place the clean tooth in your mouth between the cheek and gum to keep it moist. It is important not to let the tooth dry out. If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse in milk or saline solution.
1. During office hours call the office immediately.
2. After hours, on weekends or holidays: go to the nearest emergency room. Do not wait. Time is of the essence when dealing with knocked out teeth. |
| 6. I am having a toothache: |
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, see the appropriate button below for established or new patients. |
| 7. I lost a filling: |
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses if swelling starts. Do not chew on the area and call the office during regular office hours. |
| 8. My gums are swollen: |
(abnormally enlarged, bulging, protruding)
Avoid gum irritants such as commercial mouthwashes, alcohol, and tobacco. Do not attempt to remove tartar buildup with metal or wooden objects. You may gently cleanse the area with a soft toothbrush and dental floss. A warm saltwater rinse may help alleviate discomfort.
If swelling is severe, persistent, and associated with other unexplained symptoms such as extreme discomfort, you may have a gum infection.
Contact our office for an appointment during regular office hours. |
