…and neither can this information that may save your tooth.

It is impossible to predict the sorts of dental crises you or a loved one may encounter. Accidents happen, and it is worth it to know what is considered a dental emergency. According to dentists, it’s pretty simple:

If it hurts or the tooth has obvious damage, it’s an emergency.

Some of the tenets of emergency response and preparedness include:

• Staying calm.

• Getting out of immediate danger, if applicable.

• Maintaining awareness of your surroundings and symptoms.

• If able, designating someone else to call or phone for help–whether 911, a call for transportation or aid materials, or a same-day dentist appointment.

• Cleaning the mouth with warm water, but keeping it moist, NOT dried.

• Avoiding the use of Aspirin because of inflamed gums.

• If a filling or crown has damage, finding a drug store temporary filler or cement to use as a placeholder.

• If the tooth is loose, holding it in place within the mouth.

• If the tooth is knocked out, holding it ONLY by the crown NOT root and placing in a sanitary container.

• Visiting a dentist as soon as possible to receive the appropriate treatment.

Keep in mind that the most crucial condition is a tooth avulsion, in which the tooth has been knocked out of its socket. A dentist should ideally treat it within 30 minutes of the incident–the sooner the better. Other injuries that have a 24-hour treatment window are: enamel, dentin, and pulp fractures, root fractures, tooth concussions, and tooth displacements.

At Penn Dental Family Practice, we have the resources and expertise to handle every kind of dental emergency. We offer quick, reliable, and thorough dental care. To get more information on how to best prepare, we recommend you fill out the form on the right to download our free resource entitled, “The Survivor’s Guide to Dental Emergencies.” Let us know what you think!

We prioritize last minute appointments for dental emergencies. And, we want you to know that when your teeth are on the line and you don’t have the time to call or research every dentist, feel reassured that we will be ready and available for you when you need us the most. Save our number in your phone now (215) 898-PDFP so that we can help you in the future.

Please be advised: In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.