Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing how to respond quickly can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here are the most common dental emergencies and what you should do.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a true emergency. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, keep it moist by placing it in milk or holding it in your cheek. Call your dentist immediately. Time is critical; the tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes.

Severe Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as this can burn the tissue. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Contact your dentist as soon as possible. A severe toothache often indicates infection or decay that requires professional treatment.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Save any pieces of the tooth if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water and rinse the broken pieces. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain. See your dentist as soon as possible. Even small chips should be repaired to prevent further damage and infection.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a crown falls off, try to keep it safe and bring it with you to the dentist. You can temporarily reattach it using dental cement or toothpaste, but this is only a short-term solution. For a lost filling, you can use dental cement from a pharmacy to fill the cavity temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Schedule an appointment promptly to have it properly replaced.

Abscess or Infection

A dental abscess is a serious infection that appears as a painful, swollen area on the gum. This requires immediate attention, as the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Rinse with mild salt water several times a day to help draw out pus and reduce pain. Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself. Contact your dentist or go to an emergency room if the swelling is severe or you have a fever.

Soft Tissue Injury

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue can cause significant bleeding. Rinse your mouth with mild salt water. Apply pressure with clean gauze or a cloth for 15 to 20 minutes. Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to control swelling. If bleeding does not stop or the injury is severe, go to an emergency room or call your dentist immediately.