Life can be an uncertain proposition. Slips, trips, falls, and other accidents can occur anywhere, and at any time. If they affect your mouth and teeth, that can add an extra level of stress. You may ask yourself “How bad is the damage?” “Can anyone see it?” “How long will I have to look like this?” “ Can this even be fixed?”

First, relax. You will need to call Dr. Carly Locsey at French Run Family Dental in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, so that we can get you in as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some first aid tips for dental emergencies.

If you have lost a tooth, rinse it off, and try to put it back in the socket. Do not touch the roots. If it can fit back in the socket, hold it in place gently biting down on it through a piece of gauze. If you cannot put it back in the socket, submerge it in milk, or a tooth-preserving solution, or hold it between your cheek and gum until you can get in to see the dentist. Ideally, you should get to the dentist within thirty minutes, although the tooth may still be viable within a window of two hours.

If you break or crack a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and get to the dentist as soon as you can. If you experience swelling, apply an ice pack or cold compress.

You can use dental cement or cotton pellets to replace a lost filling and dental cement can also be used as a temporary fix to hold a loose crown in place.

A toothache can be treated by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, flossing your teeth to remove any food particles and by rinsing with warm water.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, or if it is just time for your regular cleaning and exam, call 614-866-1234 for an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon!