Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A fall on the playground, a hard bite on a popcorn kernel, or a toothache that starts on a Friday night can leave you wondering what to do. Knowing the right first steps can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing it. At Olive Branch Dental Columbus, we make room for urgent visits and want every family in Columbus, Indiana to be prepared.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Call a dentist as soon as possible for severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or loose permanent tooth, a broken tooth, facial or gum swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or a lost filling or crown that causes pain. If you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, a high fever, or a serious facial injury, go to the emergency room or call 911 first.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The best chance of saving the tooth is within about 30 to 60 minutes.

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white chewing part), not the root.
2. If dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water for a few seconds. Do not scrub or wrap it in tissue.
3. Try to place it back into the socket and have the person bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it.
4. If you cannot replant it, store it in milk or in the person’s cheek (only if they will not swallow it).
5. Call our office right away.

Do not try to replant a knocked-out baby tooth, as this can damage the developing adult tooth. Call us for guidance instead.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces of the tooth. Apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling. If the edge is sharp, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax. Small chips can often be repaired with bonding, while larger breaks may need a crown or, if the nerve is exposed, root canal treatment.

Cracked Tooth

Cracks can cause sharp pain when biting or sensitivity to temperature. Avoid chewing on that side and schedule an exam promptly. Early treatment can keep the crack from spreading.

Severe Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but never place aspirin directly on the gums, as it can burn the tissue. A cold compress may ease swelling. Persistent pain usually means a problem that needs treatment.

Lost Filling or Crown

Keep the crown and bring it with you. A small amount of dental cement from a pharmacy can temporarily hold it in place. Do not use household glue. Avoid chewing on that tooth until you are seen.

Gum or Facial Swelling

Swelling can be a sign of an abscess, a serious infection. Rinse with salt water and call us right away. Infections can spread if untreated.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

• Wear a mouthguard for sports.
• Do not chew ice, hard candy, or pens.
• Never use your teeth to open packages.
• Keep up regular checkups so weak teeth can be strengthened before they break.

Build a Dental First-Aid Kit

Keep a small kit at home and in the car with gauze, a small container with a lid, dental wax, a cold pack, over-the-counter pain reliever, and our phone number.

Call Us for Urgent Care

If you have a dental emergency, call Olive Branch Dental Columbus at (812) 516-5777. Our office is located at 2459 W Jonathan Moore Pike, Columbus, IN 47201.