Dental Traumas

What to do when a dental emergency arises.

Toothache

Do not place any pain killers, including aspirin on the gum as it may cause a burn. You can use a numbing agent such as orajel. An Anti-inflammatory such as Aleve or ibuprofen can help reduce dental pain; these are typically more effective than acetaminophen (Tylenol) or aspirin for a toothache until you get into see your dentist. (Please do not take Aleve or ibuprofen if allergies or existing medications are affected).

Tooth Knocked Out

If your tooth is accidentally knocked out, handle the tooth by the crown and not the root. Carefully rinse the tooth with cold water but do not scrub it. If you can re-insert it, do so. It not, place your tooth in a cup of milk or water with a pinch of salt, until you can get into our office. (Ideally within an hour)

Chips/Fractures or lost filling

If you have chipped your tooth and are not in pain, the fracture is most likely not close to a nerve. If you experience dental sensitivity ask for a temporary sedative filling at your local drug store to place over the area. If not, keep the area free from food debris, by brushing, flossing and rinsing with warm salt water after each meal until you can get into our office.

Broken or Lost Temporary Crowns

Call our office as soon as possible and bring the crown with you. If you are wearing a temporary crown which has fallen off but is intact, you can slip the crown back over the tooth, after coating the inside of the crown with temporary cement or a small amount of tooth paste that you can find at your local drug store in the dental section. Gently clean the temporary prior to putting a very small amount of the cement inside. Practice placing it on without the cement first, so you will know how it fits.

Call us as soon as possible, if you are experiencing a severe toothache. During your emergency appointment, your dentist will be able to determine what is causing the issue, and get you out of pain as soon as possible.

Testimonials

I was very satisfied with my first appointment at Bridgeport Family Dental. I found Dr. Kelly Johnson to be very knowledgeable and interested in my dental health. The staff was very friendly and helpful. I am a retired dentist, and I could not have found a better practice for my dental needs. I am
looking forward to my next appointment!

Rita S.

The spotless protection from COVID and the always professional, prepared and friendly staff goes above and beyond!!

A. Y.

I've been going to Bridgeport Family Dental for a few years, started taking my first foster kid there as well earlier this year. Both of us are transgender without having gone through legal name change; staff at Bridgeport Family Dental are awesome about always using our preferred names, and even set us up their billing system so that our preferred names show up on statements.
They've been very understanding about my need to temporarily switch the kid to a different dentist in order to maximize his insurance coverage, gave me clear direction how to get his dental records transferred for that. We'll be back next year!
Also, the kid says that Bridgeport Family Dental is much better about numbing him up proportional to the work being done (less for small fillings, more for bigger work) than the other dentist we're having to take him to (massive numbing for all fillings). I haven't had need for enough fillings to have my own comparison reference on that aspect, hope to keep it t ...

Sam C.

I recently switched to Bridgeport Family Dental. My tooth cleaning was very thorough and did not leave my mouth sore like my previous hygienist. I needed quite a few fillings ( did not do a great job taking care of my teeth in college...)
Dr. Johnson did a great job on my fillings and it was virtually painless. They also let you watch Netflix or Hulu while you get fillings which is a big plus. Everyone on the staff is very friendly and happy to spend time addressing your concerns and questions.

Rachel B.