Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Whether it's a sports injury, a bite into something hard, or a toothache that keeps you up at night, a few simple steps can protect your tooth and ease discomfort until you can be seen.
If you have heavy bleeding that won't stop, swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to your face or head, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
A knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters most here — the sooner you're seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water for a few seconds. Don't scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
- If you can, gently place it back in the socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
- If that isn't possible, keep the tooth in a small container of milk, or hold it in your cheek if you're an adult and won't swallow it. Don't store it in plain water.
- Call us immediately and come in as soon as possible.
A chipped or broken tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- If there's a sharp edge, cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax to protect your tongue and cheek.
A severe toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to remove anything that might be trapped. An over-the-counter pain reliever taken as directed on the label can help. Avoid placing aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn the tissue.
A toothache with fever or facial swelling can be a sign of infection that needs prompt attention, so call us right away.
A lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it and bring it to your appointment. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side. Don't try to glue a crown back in place with household adhesives — they can damage the tooth.
We're here when you need us
If you're dealing with a dental emergency, call our office as soon as possible. We do our best to see emergency patients the same day.
This article is for general educational purposes and isn't a substitute for a professional exam. If you have questions about your own oral health, please contact our office.
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