Knowing what a dental emergency is and what to do if you find yourself in one can be challenging. Your dental health is essential. Not only is it important to get your dental emergency handled right away, but it’s also important to know what you should do in a dental emergency. Let’s look at our most common dental emergencies and what you should do if you need Emergency Dentist in Philadelphia.

First, Call Your Dentist

Whenever you are in a dental emergency, it’s essential to stay calm and call your dentist (https://www.myabsolutesmile.com/contact/map-and-directions/). They can help you assess the emergency, ensure you get care right away, and may provide steps to take in addition to what we tell you below. If your dental emergency is part of a wider medical emergency, such as an accident, dial 911 or go to the ER.

Knocked-Out or Chipped Teeth

If you’ve had one or more teeth knocked out due to an injury or accident, it’s important to address that immediately. We can save your tooth and gum depending on the damage to your tooth and gum. To help us do so, it’s important that you,

• Rinse the tooth or chipped pieces
• Put the tooth (whole or pieces) in milk or your own saliva to keep it preserved
• Pack your tooth socket with gauze, cotton ball, or tea bag
• If you chipped a tooth, use sugar-free gum or wax paraffin to keep the chipped section from scratching your lip or cheek

Tooth Abscess

A tooth abscess is an infection in the root or in the gum at the root. An abscess is extremely painful and, if untreated, can lead to more infections in your teeth, gums, or even your jaw. If you think you have an abscess, it’s important to,

• Not aggravate the site of pain (brush gently with a soft brush when you brush your teeth)
• If you notice high swelling, don’t try to “pop” the swelling, as this can lead to a worse infection
• Avoid eating or drinking anything too hot or cold
• Treat pain with an over-the-counter pain medication like Tylenol or Advil. Do not treat with a topical pain ointment.

Other Severe Tooth or Gum Pain

Sometimes you may have severe tooth or gum pain without any clear indication of why. You don’t see the kind of swelling that indicates an abscess. Your teeth aren’t missing or broken. Severe pain is an indication of a problem, one you can’t see, such as a vertical root fracture. If you have severe pain, 

• Take care not to aggravate the painful area (brush gently with a soft brush if you’re brushing your teeth around that area)
• Avoid poking at your tooth or gum.
• Avoid anything too hot or cold if you eat or drink.
• Treat pain with over-the-counter pain medication (Tylenol or Advil) and avoid using topical pain medicine.

Broken Brackets or Wires from Braces

If you have a broken bracket or wire from your braces, you should get it taken care of right away. The brackets help your teeth align properly, while a broken wire can lead to additional injury. Once you contact us, 

• Use your wax paraffin or sugar-free gum to cover exposed wire or any sharp edges of brackets
• Do not touch or mess with the broken wire or bracket
• If you brush your teeth, be careful not to snag the bracket or wire on your toothbrush (avoid using a spinning brush)

Always contact your dentist immediately if you find yourself in a dental emergency so we can ensure you get the treatment you need right away. If your dental emergency is part of a wider medical emergency, don’t hesitate. Dial 911 or get to the ER right away.

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