Patient guide
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Short answer: In a dental emergency, stay calm, control any bleeding with gentle pressure, and call your dentist right away. Save any broken pieces or knocked-out teeth, keeping a knocked-out adult tooth in milk if you cannot place it back in the socket. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have spreading facial swelling, a high fever, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a serious jaw injury.
Published by Ferdos Family Dental · For general education, not a substitute for an exam
Is it a dental emergency?
Not every dental problem needs same-day care, but some do. Call promptly if you have severe pain, a tooth that has been knocked out or loosened, a broken tooth with sharp edges, bleeding that will not stop, or swelling in your gums or face.
A small chip with no pain, or a lost filling that is not sensitive, can usually wait for a regular appointment within a few days.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time is the most important factor. Pick the tooth up by the crown, the part you normally see, and avoid touching the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water without scrubbing.
If you can, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it. If that is not possible, place it in a small container of milk and call your dentist immediately. Teeth replanted quickly have the best chance of being saved.
Do not replant a knocked-out baby tooth. Call us for guidance instead.
Broken or cracked tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling. If the edge is sharp, a piece of sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax can protect your tongue and cheek until you are seen.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently to remove anything caught between your teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers taken as directed can help. Do not place aspirin directly on your gums, since it can burn the tissue.
A toothache that lingers, throbs, or wakes you at night often means the nerve is inflamed or infected. A root canal or other treatment may be needed to relieve it.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the crown in a safe place and bring it with you. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover the tooth until your visit. Avoid chewing on that side.
When to go to the ER
Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 for facial swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a high fever with dental pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a jaw that may be broken after an injury. These can be signs of a serious infection or injury.