Dental Emergencies in the City: What to Do (and When to Call Your Center City Dentist)

Common Dental Emergencies & What You Can Do

Here are some typical dental mishaps and immediate steps you can take:

1. Persistent Toothache

• What to do: First, rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water to dislodge any trapped food particles. Gently floss around the affected tooth. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
• When to call us: If the pain is severe, doesn’t subside with home remedies, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, contact Center City Dentist immediately. A toothache can indicate an infection or other serious issue requiring professional attention.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

• What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. If you find the chipped piece, keep it in milk or saliva and bring it with you.
• When to call us: Even a small chip can expose sensitive areas or lead to further damage. Contact Center City Dentist as soon as possible to prevent complications and restore the tooth’s appearance and function.

3. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

• What to do (Act Fast!): This is a true emergency where time is critical for saving the tooth.
  • Gently pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding touching the root.
  • If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or cool water (do NOT scrub it or use soap).
  • Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. If possible, bite down gently on gauze or a wet tea bag to hold it in place.
  • If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in a cup of milk, your own saliva, or a tooth preservation solution.
• When to call us: Immediately! The sooner you get to Center City Dentist (ideally within 30-60 minutes), the higher the chance the tooth can be saved.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

• What to do: For a lost filling, you can temporarily cover the cavity with sugar-free gum or dental wax (available at pharmacies) to reduce sensitivity. For a lost crown, try to reattach it with dental cement (available at pharmacies) or even toothpaste, placing the crown back onto the tooth in the correct orientation.
• When to call us: While often not severely painful, a lost filling or crown can expose sensitive areas or lead to further decay. Schedule an appointment with Center City Dentist promptly to prevent damage.

5. Object Caught Between Teeth

• What to do: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Do NOT use sharp objects like toothpicks or pins, as this can injure your gums or scratch your tooth enamel.
• When to call us: If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, contact Center City Dentist. Attempting to force it out can cause more harm.

When to Call Your Center City Dentist

In any dental emergency, your first call should always be to Center City Dentist. We prioritize urgent cases and will provide immediate advice on what to do, assess your situation, and schedule you for the soonest possible appointment.

Don’t hesitate to call if you experience:

• Severe, persistent pain.
• Bleeding that won’t stop.
• Loose or knocked-out teeth.
• Swelling in your mouth, face, or jaw.
• Difficulty opening or closing your mouth.
• Any situation that causes you significant distress or worry about your oral health.