A chipped tooth on the soccer field. A knocked-out one during recess. A wire poking mid-road trip. Dental emergencies have a way of showing up when it’s least convenient, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel at Loew & Patel Orthodontics have helped families across Flemington, Annandale, and Bridgewater handle the unexpected, starting with how to tell when it’s time to act fast.
When Is It a True Emergency?
Some dental problems can wait a day or two. Others? Not so much. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel at Loew & Patel Orthodontics want families in the local communities to know the difference so they’re not second-guessing when it matters most.
Here are a few red flags that mean you should call right away:
- Knocked-Out Tooth – If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, call us immediately and place the tooth in milk or gently put it back in the socket (more tips coming up!)
- Severe Toothache or Swelling – This might be a sign of infection and should never be ignored.
- Broken or Cracked Tooth – A chip can often wait, but deeper fractures or exposed nerves need fast care.
- Bleeding That Won’t Stop – If the bleeding continues after applying pressure, it’s time to reach out.
- Injury to the Jaw – Trouble opening or closing the mouth could indicate a break and calls for emergency attention.
Now that you know what qualifies as an emergency, let’s talk about what to do next—before you make it to our office.
Quick Fixes Before You Visit the Office
Sometimes, the moments right after a dental injury can feel overwhelming—but a few calm, smart steps can make all the difference. The Loew and Patel Orthodontics team is here with some tips so patients know how to stay steady in the face of dental drama.
Here’s what to do right away:
Tooth knocked out?
Hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try placing it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a cup of milk or saliva and head to Loew & Patel Orthodontics as quickly as possible.
Broken braces or wires?
Cover any sharp ends with orthodontic wax or a cotton swab. Don’t try to cut anything on your own—leave that part to the pros.
Soft tissue injury (lip, cheek, tongue)?
Rinse with warm salt water and apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to control the bleeding.
Swelling?
Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth for short intervals to bring it down.
These steps help buy a little time and comfort until you’re able to get care. Up next, let’s explore how dental emergencies can look different depending on your age.
How Dental Emergencies Vary by Stage of Life
Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel understand that what works for a six-year-old with a chipped tooth won’t always work for a busy parent dealing with a cracked crown. That’s why Loew & Patel Orthodontics tailors care based on your age and dental development.
For Young Kids:
- Falls and playground tumbles often lead to chipped baby teeth or soft tissue injuries.
- Don’t panic if a baby tooth is knocked out—permanent teeth usually aren’t far behind.
- If there’s swelling, bleeding, or ongoing pain, call the office right away.
For Teens with Braces:
- Broken brackets or poking wires are common, especially with sports injuries or hard foods.
- Have orthodontic wax on hand to ease irritation until an appointment can be made.
- If a permanent tooth is damaged, call immediately.
For Adults:
- Issues like cracked crowns, lost fillings, or infections can come on fast and cause a lot of stress.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain or swelling—it usually doesn’t resolve on its own.
No matter your age, staying proactive helps make treatment smoother. Up next, let’s explore some simple steps you can take to stay ready and keep dental surprises to a minimum.
Your Emergency Dental Toolkit
Cheering at Flemington-Raritan Youth Sports, hiking around Round Valley, or enjoying dinner in downtown Annandale—dental surprises can pop up anytime. Keeping a few essentials nearby makes it easier to act fast when the unexpected hits. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel recommend putting together a compact, ready-to-go kit for home, school, or the car.
Here’s what to include:
- Sterile gauze or cotton pads – Useful for controlling bleeding or protecting an injured area until professional help is available.
- Small, clean container with a lid – To safely store a knocked-out tooth in milk, saline, or saliva on your way to the office.
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen – Helps manage pain and swelling in the short term.
- Orthodontic wax – Can stop sharp edges from brackets or wires from causing irritation.
- Latex-free gloves – Important for safely handling teeth, appliances, or injured areas without introducing bacteria.
- Dental mirror and flashlight – Makes it easier to assess injuries if you’re not close to a well-lit space.
- List of emergency contacts – Including Loew & Patel Orthodontics’ phone number and your family dentist.
Keeping these items nearby gives you a head start when the unexpected hits. And no matter the situation, Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel are just a phone call away. The team at Loew & Patel Orthodontics is here to help you get back on track with care that’s calm, clear, and quick!
Keep Calm and Call Your Ortho
No matter your age or the dental curveball life throws your way, knowing how to respond makes all the difference. Dr. Loew and Dr. Patel are here to help families in Flemington, Annandale, and Bridgewater feel confident in any dental emergency—big or small. If you have questions, need care, or just want peace of mind, schedule a free consultation with Loew & Patel Orthodontics. We’re ready when you need us most!