Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — a sudden toothache, a chipped tooth, or an accident that knocks out a tooth. In these moments, knowing what to do can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth, and between minor treatment and major complications.
This guide will walk you through the most common dental emergencies, what immediate steps to take, when to seek professional help, and how to protect yourself until you can reach a dentist.
Common Dental Emergencies
1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)
What to do: Handle the tooth by the crown (never the root). Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but don't scrub. Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible and hold it in place. If that's not possible, keep it in milk or saliva.
Time is critical: See a dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
2. Severe Toothache
What to do: Rinse your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to remove any trapped food. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
When to seek help: If pain persists for more than a day or is accompanied by fever or swelling, contact your dentist immediately.
3. Chipped or Broken Tooth
What to do: Save any broken pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there's bleeding, apply gauze for about 10 minutes. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
When to seek help: See a dentist as soon as possible, especially if the break is large or painful.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
What to do: Keep the crown if you can find it. Try to slip it back over the tooth temporarily using dental cement or toothpaste. Avoid chewing on that side.
When to seek help: Contact your dentist within a few days to have it properly reattached or replaced.
5. Abscess or Swelling
What to do: Rinse with mild saltwater several times a day. This is a serious infection and requires immediate professional attention.
When to seek help: See your dentist or visit an emergency room immediately, especially if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing.
When to Go to Emergency vs. Wait for Your Dentist
Go to the Emergency Room If:
- • You have uncontrolled bleeding
- • You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- • You have facial trauma with severe pain or swelling
- • You have signs of infection with fever and swelling
Contact Your Dentist If:
- • You have a knocked-out tooth (within 30 minutes)
- • You have severe tooth pain
- • You have a broken or cracked tooth
- • You've lost a filling or crown
Prevention Tips
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:
- • Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- • Avoiding hard foods like ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy
- • Never using your teeth as tools
- • Maintaining regular dental check-ups to catch problems early
- • Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent decay and infection
Need Emergency Dental Care?
If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't wait. Contact us immediately. Our team is equipped to handle urgent situations and provide prompt relief.