Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and often when you least expect them. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, or between a minor inconvenience and a major problem. Here's your guide to the most common dental emergencies and how to handle them.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies, but if you act quickly, there's a good chance the tooth can be saved.

What to do immediately:

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), NOT the root
• If it's dirty, gently rinse it with milk or water – don't scrub or remove any attached tissue
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible, making sure it's facing the right way
• If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist by placing it in a small container of milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation solution
• Call us immediately – time is critical! The tooth has the best chance of survival if replanted within 30 minutes

DO NOT: Let the tooth dry out, touch or handle the root, or wrap it in tissue or cloth.

2. Severe Toothache

A toothache can range from mildly annoying to excruciating. Severe, persistent pain often indicates infection or decay that requires prompt treatment.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
• Gently floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped food
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn tissue)
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
• Call us as soon as possible for an emergency appointment

Toothaches don't go away on their own – they typically worsen over time. Even if the pain temporarily subsides, the underlying problem remains and requires professional treatment.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

Chips and cracks can range from minor cosmetic issues to serious structural damage that exposes the tooth's inner layers.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Save any broken pieces if possible and bring them to your appointment
• If there's bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until bleeding stops
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain
• If the break has created a sharp edge that's cutting your cheek or tongue, cover it with dental wax or sugarless gum temporarily
• Call us for an appointment – even small chips should be evaluated to prevent further damage

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown exposes the vulnerable inner portion of your tooth, which can be painful and lead to further damage or infection if not addressed promptly.

What to do:

• Keep the crown if you still have it – bring it to your appointment
• Clean the crown and try to slip it back onto the tooth using dental cement or toothpaste as temporary adhesive (DO NOT use super glue)
• If you can't reinsert the crown, protect the exposed tooth by covering it with dental cement (available at drugstores)
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
• Call us to schedule a repair appointment as soon as possible

5. Abscess or Swelling

An abscess is a serious infection that appears as a painful, swollen bump on your gums. It can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated and requires immediate professional attention.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with mild salt water several times a day to draw pus to the surface and provide temporary relief
• Call us immediately – abscesses don't heal on their own and can be life-threatening if the infection spreads
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed
• DO NOT attempt to drain the abscess yourself

If you develop a fever, have difficulty swallowing or breathing, or notice facial swelling, go to the emergency room immediately – these are signs the infection may be spreading.

6. Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to your lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue that result in cuts, tears, or puncture wounds should be addressed promptly.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with mild salt water
• Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes or the wound is deep, seek emergency medical attention
• For less severe injuries, call us for guidance and to schedule a follow-up if needed

7. Object Stuck Between Teeth

Food or other objects lodged between teeth can cause pain, infection, and damage if not removed.

What to do:

• Try to gently remove it with dental floss
• Never use sharp objects like pins or needles, which can damage your gums or teeth
• If flossing doesn't work, call us – we have special tools to safely remove the object

When to Seek Emergency Care

Contact us immediately for:

• Severe pain that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medication
• Knocked-out tooth
• Broken or cracked tooth
• Signs of infection (swelling, fever, pus)
• Injury to your jaw
• Uncontrolled bleeding