What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Quick Tips from Your Fort Gibson Dentist
Be Prepared When the Unexpected Happens
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time — but when they do, being prepared can make all the difference. Whether you’ve cracked a tooth biting into something hard or your child knocked out a tooth during a ballgame, knowing what to do in the moment (and who to call) can help protect your health and comfort.
At Fort Gibson Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments and personalized guidance — so you never have to navigate a dental emergency alone.


Is This a Dental Emergency?
First, let’s define what qualifies as a true dental emergency. Call us right away if you or a loved one experiences:
- A knocked-out tooth
- A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Severe or lasting tooth pain or pressure
- A tooth abscess or swelling in the gums
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth
- Lost fillings, crowns, or other restorations
If you're unsure, call our office — we’ll talk through your symptoms and help you decide what’s urgent.
What to Do in the Moment: Emergency Tips
1. For a Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical — try to see a dentist within 30–60 minutes.
- Gently rinse the tooth with water (do not scrub)
- Try to place it back in the socket (if possible), or store it in milk or saliva
- Keep it moist and call our office immediately
2. For a Cracked or Chipped Tooth
- Rinse with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any broken pieces
- Avoid chewing on that side
- We may recommend ceramic crowns or tooth-colored fillings
3. For Severe Tooth Pain
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use over-the-counter pain relief
- Do NOT place aspirin directly on the gums
- This could indicate an infection or abscess — root canal therapy may be needed
4. For Bleeding or Swelling
- Apply light pressure with clean gauze
- Use a cold compress
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek immediate care
- Swelling may be related to infection or trauma
Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Fort Gibson, OK
At Fort Gibson Family Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible. If you're in pain or unsure about a dental concern, don’t wait — give us a call. We’ll do everything we can to get you in quickly, relieve your discomfort, and start treatment the same day if needed.
Our office regularly sees patients from Muskogee, Norwood, Wybark, and Mallard Bay who need fast, compassionate care from a team they trust.

Don’t Wait — We’re Here When You Need Us
Dental emergencies can be stressful — but knowing where to turn makes all the difference. Whether you’re experiencing sudden pain, trauma, or a lost tooth, we’re here to help you feel better fast.
