What is emergency dentistry?
Emergency dentistry describes dental situations that need immediate attention, and that may become significantly worse in the ensuing 24 hours without fast treatment. These situations include:
- Loose tooth
- Loose crown or filling
- Tooth loss
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Gum damage
- Intense mouth pain
- Abscess
- Gum infection
- Extreme tooth sensitivity
Minimize the risk of long-term damage when you partner with the in-house specialists at Advanced Dentistry of Philadelphia. They use the latest dental techniques and equipment to provide quality, gentle emergency care.
What should I do if I have a dental emergency?
The team at Advanced Dentistry of Philadelphia has years of experience treating all kinds of dental emergencies. You can help improve the chances of successful treatment by following these guidelines:
Lost crown or filling
If you lose a crown, keep it safe in case your provider can reinsert it — don't try to glue it back into place yourself. Your tooth is extremely sensitive without the crown, so be careful with temperature changes and avoid chewing or biting until you see your dentist.
Lost tooth
Your provider may be able to save a lost tooth if you receive treatment within an hour of losing it. Rinse the tooth under warm water, holding it by the tooth — don’t touch the root.
If possible, place the tooth back in the socket; otherwise, bring the tooth with you in a cup of milk to prevent the tooth from drying out. Even if it's not possible to save the original tooth, your damaged gum needs attention.
Cracked or broken tooth
If a tooth fragment has broken off, rinse your mouth and the tooth fragment with warm water. If your mouth is bleeding, cover it with some clean gauze. You may also need pain relief medicine until you reach the office.
Loose tooth
It's possible to save a loose tooth if the tooth remains attached to the blood vessels and nerves. Apply a cold compress to your cheek and use pain relief medicine until you reach the office.
In a dental emergency, it's essential you see a provider at Advanced Dentistry of Philadelphia as soon as possible. If you’ve experienced a head injury, are bleeding excessively, or need assistance outside of office hours, you should visit an emergency room before calling the practice.
What should I bring to an emergency dentistry appointment?
If you need emergency dentistry, have the following available:
- Identification and insurance documentation
- Medical history information
- Details of current medication
- Someone who can take you home
If you have a dental emergency, or if you’re not sure if you’re dealing with an emergency, call the practice immediately for an appointment and further instructions.
