What to Do in a Dental Emergency (Before You Get to the Office)
Stay calm, act quickly, and follow these steps to protect your smile.
Dental emergencies can strike at any time — during dinner, while playing sports, or even just waking up with unexpected pain. Whether it’s a cracked tooth or a knocked-out crown, knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a big difference in both your comfort and your long-term oral health.
At Bethany Dental Group, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments for patients in Bethany, Warr Acres, Yukon, The Village, and surrounding Oklahoma County areas. Here’s how to respond if you’re facing a dental emergency.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
It’s natural to feel panicked, especially if there’s pain or bleeding involved — but staying calm will help you think clearly. Start by identifying:
- Where the pain or injury is located
- Whether any teeth are loose, chipped, or missing
- If there is swelling, bleeding, or difficulty speaking/chewing
Even if the issue seems minor, it’s important to call a dentist. What feels like a small chip may actually be a deeper fracture.
Step 2: Call Our Office Immediately
If you're in pain or believe you're experiencing a dental emergency, contact us as soon as possible.
Same-Day Appointments Available
(405) 495-2402
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Our team will help you determine how urgent the issue is and get you in for fast, same-day care when appropriate.
Step 3: Follow These Quick Guidelines Based on the Emergency
Toothache or Swelling
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Avoid chewing on the affected side
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gums
Persistent pain could indicate an infection or abscess — both require immediate care.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water
- Save any broken tooth fragments, if possible
- Apply dental wax or sugar-free gum to sharp edges to protect your tongue or cheek
- Avoid biting down on the tooth
We offer cracked tooth repair and ceramic crowns to restore strength and appearance.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently if dirty, but do not scrub
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible
- If you can’t, store it in milk or saline and get to the office immediately
Timing is critical — teeth have the best chance of being saved if re-implanted within 30–60 minutes.
Lost Crown or Filling
- Try to locate and bring the crown or filling with you
- Use over-the-counter dental cement (from a pharmacy) if you must place it back temporarily
- Avoid chewing on that side until it can be professionally repaired
We offer tooth-colored fillings and custom crown replacement.
When Is It a True Emergency?
Seek immediate dental care if you experience:
- Severe, unrelenting tooth pain
- Trauma that results in bleeding or loose teeth
- A broken or knocked-out tooth
- Facial swelling
- Signs of infection (fever, swollen jaw, foul taste)
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Even if symptoms seem to subside, dental emergencies rarely resolve on their own — and delaying treatment can lead to more extensive damage or costly procedures later.
Emergency Dental Care in Oklahoma County
At Bethany Dental Group, we’re prepared to handle a wide range of urgent dental needs. Our team will:
- Diagnose the issue clearly and quickly
- Alleviate pain and stabilize the problem
- Offer permanent solutions and follow-up care when needed
We serve emergency patients throughout:
- Bethany
- Warr Acres
- Yukon
- The Village
- Northwest OKC
- Greater Oklahoma County
Your Emergency Plan Starts Here
You don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, just give us a call — we’ll talk through your symptoms and help you decide next steps.