What do I do if my temporary crown falls off? Check to see if it is broken or cracked. If so, you may need to call us to have a new temporary made. If intact, clean any visible cement from inside crown, place Vaseline inside temp, and replace on tooth. If temporary does not fit, rotate one-quarter turn until it seats securely. You may be able to find a temporary cement in the dental aisle of your grocery store. DO NOT use Crazy Glue for any reason. Be Careful Not To Eat On A Temporary Crown That Is Not Securely Cemented

My tooth is sensitive to cold.

Many things can cause cold sensitivity in teeth: Gum recession, recent fillings, trauma to the tooth (biting down on hard or crunchy food), bleaching, and others. Cold sensitivity can be temporary. If it persists for more than 2-3 weeks, call for an appointment and avoid very cold liquids and food.  More Information...

I just had some new fillings, and my teeth don't seem to fit together normally.

You may need to schedule for a bite adjustment. Continuing to eat with an ill-fitting bite can cause tooth sensitivity (cold or pressure) or pain.

My jaw is swollen and I have a painful tooth, what do I need to do?

If you have swelling associated with a painful tooth, you may have an abscessed tooth. Place something cold such as an ice bag on the swollen area and take 2-3 Ibuprofen (Advil) tablets to decrease the pain and swelling. Avoid chewing or eating in this area, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and call for an appointment.

I have a metal taste in my mouth.

A metallic taste in your mouth usually means you have a leaking silver filling. You may want to schedule an examination to evaluate your old fillings.

I just had a tooth removed and the site is still bleeding. What should I do?

Take a piece of moist gauze rolled up and bite down on it with pressure on the site for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, try biting on a moist tea bag until bleeding stops. If you are taking aspirin, stop daily dosage for 1-2 days. If heavy bleeding persists for more than 24 hours call our office.   More Information...

I have pain in my tooth when I bite on something hard.

You may have a cracked tooth. Pain on release of biting pressure is a strong indication of cracked tooth syndrome. Crown treatment is indicated to prevent the crack from extending deeper into the tooth, possibly resulting in a root canal or tooth removal. Call our office as soon as possible.

Toothaches

Never put any painkillers, including aspirin, on the gum because it can burn the gum tissue. Clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any food particles that may be caught there. If your tooth continues to hurt, call your dentist as soon as possible. A toothache can result from several dental problems. Regular dental check ups and dental cleanings can help prevent toothaches.

Broken Tooth

If your tooth breaks, the first thing you should do is contact your dentist immediately. You should also clean your mouth out by rinsing thoroughly with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling.

Knocked Out Tooth

If your tooth has been knocked out, rinse the tooth off very gently to make sure it is clean. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or washcloth in the sink so that it does not go down the drain. Place the tooth in a small container or cup of milk. You will need to take the tooth with you and get to your dentist immediately.

Bitten Tongue or Lip

If you have bitten your tongue or lip, gently wipe the area clean with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. If the bleeding will not stop, you should go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.

Something Caught Between Your Teeth

Gently insert a piece of dental floss or a dental flosser. Be very careful not to cut the gum tissue. If you are unable to remove the object, contact your dentist. Never use a sharp object to try and remove something that is stuck in between your teeth.

Possible Broken Jaw

If you think that your jaw might be broken, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize any swelling. You will need to see your dentist immediately or go to the emergency room of a nearby hospital.