Orthodontic Emergencies
If You Have an Emergency Contact our office:
First AID
Loose or Poking Wires
If a wire causes irritation, push the wire away from the area using the eraser end of a pencil or a Q-Tip. If the wire cannot be tucked away, cover the end of the wire with a small piece of wax, a cotton ball, or a piece of sugarless gum until you can see us for an adjustment.
If the main wire has come out of the tube on your back tooth, attempt to reinsert the wire with a pair of needle-nosed pliers or tweezers. If the wire is not sticking you, place a piece of wax over the area. As a last resort, if you cannot come into our office, the wire can be cut with a small wire cutter or toenail clipper close to the back of the last brace.
Lost Separators
In case a rubber spacer falls out, take two pieces of dental floss and insert them through the spacer. Pull on both pieces of floss to stretch the spacer, and then slide the spacer back and forth between the two teeth where it belongs. Once the bottom half of the spacer slips under the tight spot between the teeth, release and remove the floss and the spacer will fit back properly.
If You Swallow Something
Remain calm if you swallow a piece of your appliance. It will usually go into the stomach and pass out of the body in a bowel movement. However, if difficulty breathing is experienced, call 911, you should seek immediate medical attention. X-rays will be taken to determine the location of the swallowed piece.
Sore Teeth or Sore Gums
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen if your teeth are sore after a monthly visit. PLEASE CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN BEFORE TAKING ANY MEDICATION, PARTICULARLY IF YOU HAVE ANY HISTORY OF ALLERGIC REACTIONS.
Rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water and teaspoon of salt can also be soothing. If you teeth get sore suddenly in the middle of the month, give us a call because it is unusual for the teeth to get sore several weeks after your last office visit.
If food becomes stuck between your teeth, use dental floss or a proxy brush to dislodge the food.
If you cut your gums, tongue or the inside of your cheek, apply finger pressure to the bleeding site for several minutes. Minor irritations and canker sores will heal much more quickly if you apply Zylactin™ according the manufacturer's directions. You can purchase it over the counter at most pharmacies and grocery stores.