Dental emergencies come in many forms and can vary from minor to serious. As with any kind of emergency, knowing what to do will help you get through it with less stress. From chipped teeth to broken braces, here are a few things that you can do in a dental emergency. 

Stay Calm

Whatever kind of dental emergency you’re experiencing, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. That is hard when you or a loved one are in pain, have lost a tooth, or are bleeding. Before taking any action, take a deep breath, let it out, and focus on the breathing. Keeping a calm mind will help you assess the situation, determine the level of emergency, and reach out to the right people for help. 

Assess the Situation 

What is the kind of emergency you have? Some dental emergencies may require a trip to the dentist right away or a call to 911. Once you’re calm, determine what has happened and what you need to do next.

Determine What Immediate Action You Need to Take

Broken or knocked-out tooth – Find the missing tooth/part of the tooth, clean it, and place it in warm water or milk. 

Broken wires on braces – If the wire has punctured the gum or cheek, call us immediately for instruction on where to go. Do not remove the wire yourself. If the wire has not punctured the gum or cheek, place dental wax over the end. If the gum or cheek has been scratched, check the area to see how severe the scratch. 

Severe toothache – rinse your mouth with warm water to help ease the pain. Do not use aspirin on the tooth. Use floss to carefully remove any food debris from around the tooth. 

Bitten lip or tongue – In the case of minor bleeding, use a clean, cloth to help the bleeding and a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can use a damp cloth to dab the area to check the severity of the wound. In the case of severe bleeding, use a cloth to control the bleeding and go the emergency room or call 911. 

These are a few of the most common dental emergencies. If you have any situation that comes up with your mouth that you’re unsure how to handle, contact us right away. 

Determine Who to Call for Help

Knowing who to call is important in a dental emergency. For most, contact us right away. We will help you determine where to go and make sure that you get the care you need. 

In the event of severe injury, always call 911 or go immediately to the emergency room. Once you’re there and receiving immediate care, they can help you contact us for follow up care or immediate assistance if needed. Some of the situations where you should call 911 include, but are not limited to,

• Loss of consciousness
• Major bleeding
• Major injury to the mouth 
• Life-threatening injury

If you are ready to smile with confidence, we are accepting new patients! Get the dental care that you deserve and the smile that you want at Absolute Smile Philadelphia or Bucks County. Contact us today to make your appointment and learn about your options.