In Case of Emergency
What should I do if one of my wires comes loose and is poking into my cheek? What if one of my teeth gets knocked out? Or if something gets caught between my teeth?
The answer – stay calm. Most problems with orthodontic treatment can be corrected easily at home. If you’re experiencing a problem, try these solutions first. If they don’t correct the problem, give us a call. In many cases, we can talk you through the solution right over the phone!
If the office is not open, our 24-hour in-house answering service will help you.
Loose wire: You can reposition the wire into place with tweezers. If this is not possible, clip the wire with a pair of nail clippers or wire cutters behind the last tooth to which it is securely fastened. Wax it if you feel any discomfort.
Knocked-Out Tooth: Call your family dentist as soon as possible. If possible, hold the tooth in your mouth, or store it in a cup of milk until you receive treatment. If dental treatment cannot be arranged within a reasonable time, gently replace the tooth in its socket – taking care to orient it correctly! – and go to a hospital emergency room.
Poking wire: Simply push the poking wire down with a spoon or an eraser. If this is not possible, wax it. If discomfort persists, using a clean nail clipper or wire cutter, cut the wire closest to the next bracket in front of it. Notify our office the next business day so we can repair it.
Lost tie wire or elastic tie: Notify us at your next appointment.
Object Between Teeth: Try to remove the object by gently using dental floss. Do not use a sharp or pointed instrument. If you’re not successful, call us!
Loose band or bracket: If the band or the bracket is still attached to the wire, leave it in place. Place wax on the broken area to make it comfortable. If the band or bracket comes out completely, wrap it up in tissue and give us a call during office hours.
Soreness: This can be relieved by the use of warm salt water rinses and Tylenol or Ibuprofen for relief from discomfort. Call us during office hours if soreness persists for more than 3 days.
Severe trauma, fractured teeth, bones or cuts to the mouth area requiring stitches: Call your dentist or go to the emergency room. Once the trauma has been treated, please notify our office.
Appliance dangling or locking open: Please call 856-582-1400 and press #9, a Kadar team member will get back to you promptly.