Find the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root portion. You may rinse the tooth but DO NOT clean or handle the tooth unnecessarily. Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in its socket. Have the patient hold the tooth in place by biting on a gauze. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing milk. Primary or baby teeth are not generally replaced into the socket, however prompt care by the pediatric dentist is recommended.

Rinse dirt from injured area with warm water. Place cold compresses over the face in the area of the injury. Locate and save any broken tooth fragments. Immediate dental attention is necessary.

Apply ice to bruised areas. If there is bleeding, apply firm but gentle pressure with a gauze or cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes or it cannot be controlled by simple pressure, take the child to the hospital emergency room.

Clean the area of the affected tooth thoroughly.  Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm water or use dental floss to dislodge impacted food or debris.  DO NOT place aspirin on the gum or on aching tooth.  If face is swollen, apply cold compresses.  Take your child to a pediatric dentist!

If a broken appliance can be removed EASILY take it out, if it cannot, cover the sharp or protruding portion with cotton balls, gauze or soft chewing gum. If a wire is stuck in the gum, cheek or tongue, DO NOT remove it.  Take the your child to a pediatric dentist or orthodontist immediately.  Asymptomatic loose or broken appliances do not usually require emergency attention.

If you break or loosen any of your appliances, please call our office so we can create a time to see you.

If you have a bracket or band loose, please call our office.

Sometimes discomfort caused by a wire on your braces can be resolved by moving the wire away from the irritated area with a cotton swab or eraser. If the wire will not move, try covering the end of it with  a small amount of wax. If the wire is painful, you can cut it with nail clippers or scissors that have been washed and sterilized in alcohol. If you cannot resolve the wire irritation, call our office for an appointment.

If you have separators in, they can occasionally come out. Do not worry about losing a separator, but call our office to see if it needs to be replaced.

During the first week after your braces are in place and routine adjustments are complete, you may experience some  soreness or discomfort. You may take acetaminophen or other non-aspirin pain relievers while you adjust to your new braces. A warm wash cloth or heating pad may reduce the soreness in your jaws.