Philadelphia Dental is here to help you in case you have a dental emergency. We will schedule an immediate appointment to see you on an emergency basis. There may be several reasons for an emergency visit. Here are some types of them:

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  Severe dental pain

 

  This may be due to an infected or a broken tooth. Types of treatment may range from a simple dental filling or a root canal therapy to a complicated surgical extraction. We are here to help you no matter the reason.

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  Avulsed tooth (tooth knocked out)

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  If a tooth has been knocked clean out of the mouth, it is essential to see us immediately. When a tooth exits the mouth, tissues, nerves and blood vessels become damaged. If the tooth can be placed back into its socket within an hour, there is a chance the tissues will grow to support the tooth once again.

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  Here are some steps to take:

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• Call us to make an appointment.

• Pick up the tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. DO NOT touch the root.

• If possible, place it back into its socket – if not tuck it into the cheek pouch.

• If the tooth cannot be placed in the mouth, put the tooth into a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It is important to keep the tooth from drying out.

• Get to the our office, quickly and safely.

 

  Lost filling or crown

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  Usually, a crown or filling comes loose while eating. Once it is out of the mouth, the affected tooth may be incredibly sensitive to temperature changes and pressure. Crowns generally become loose because the tooth beneath is decaying. The decay causes shape changes in the teeth – meaning that the crown no longer fits.

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  If a crown has dropped out of the mouth, make a dental appointment as soon as possible. Keep the crown in a cool, safe place because there is a possibility that the dentist can reinsert it. If the crown is out of the mouth for a long period of time, the teeth may shift or sustain further damage.

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  When the dentist is not immediately accessible, here are the steps to take:

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• Apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate pain.

• Clean the crown and affix it onto the tooth with dental cement. This can be purchased at the local pharmacy.

• If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.

• DO NOT use any kind of glue to affix the crown.

 

  Cracked or broken teeth

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  The teeth are strong, but they are still prone to fractures, cracks and breaks. Sometimes fractures are fairly painless, but if the crack extends down into the root, it is likely that the pain will be extreme. Fractures, cracks and breaks can take several different forms, but are generally caused by trauma, grinding and biting. If a tooth has been fractured or cracked, there is no alternative but to see the dentist as quickly as possible. Where a segment of tooth has been broken off, here are some steps that can be taken at home:

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• Call us to make an appointment.

• Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.

• Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.

• Place a cold, damp dishtowel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.

• Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if there is no way to see the dentist immediately.

• Take a topical pain reliever.

 

  Dislodged/loose teeth

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  When a tooth has been dislodged or loosened from its socket by trauma or decay, it might be possible to save it. If the tooth remains in the mouth and attached to the blood vessels and nerves, there is a good chance root canal therapy will not be necessary.

 

  It is important to call us immediately to make an appointment. In the meantime, use a cold compress and over-the-counter medications to relieve pain. We will reposition the tooth and add splints to stabilize it. If the tooth fails to heal, root canal therapy may be required.

 

  If you have questions or concerns about dental emergencies, please contact us. We are always happy to help.