Emergency Dental Care: What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Let’s be honest—dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. A sudden jolt of pain, a chipped tooth during dinner, or a child’s unexpected fall can turn an ordinary day upside down in seconds. When the unexpected strikes, knowing how to handle the situation until you can reach a dental clinic can save a lot of stress—and sometimes even save your tooth.
Here’s what you should know if you or someone in your family faces a dental emergency.
Toothache That Won’t Quit?
Mild discomfort can usually wait, but if the pain is sharp, throbbing, or persistent, don’t ignore it. First, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Sometimes, trapped food or debris can be the culprit. Floss around the sore tooth just to be sure nothing is stuck.
Still hurting? You can take a pain reliever like ibuprofen—but don’t put pills directly on your gums (that old trick can actually do more harm than good). If the area is swollen, try using a cold compress on your cheek.
When to call:
If the pain doesn’t ease up or starts spreading, give us a call. It could be a sign of something more serious, like an infection.
Knocked Out Tooth? Time Is Everything.
If a tooth gets knocked out, try to stay calm—it’s more common than you’d think, especially with kids or sports injuries.
Pick up the tooth by the top (the part that usually shows), not the root. If it’s dirty, give it a quick rinse with water—but skip the scrubbing. If you can, gently place it back in its socket. If not, tuck it in a small container of milk or even your own saliva.
The golden rule:
Try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The sooner you act, the better the odds of saving the tooth.
Cracked or Broken Tooth?
Bit down on something too hard? It happens.
Start by rinsing with warm water. Use a cold pack to bring down swelling if needed. If you still have the broken piece, keep it safe and bring it with you.
Until you’re seen, avoid chewing on that side, especially hard or sticky foods.
Lost Crown or Filling?
A missing crown or filling isn’t always an emergency, but it can be uncomfortable—especially if it leaves a sensitive tooth exposed.
In a pinch and feeling discomfort? Even a bit of sugarless gum over the area can help protect it for a short time.
Bleeding or Soft Tissue Injury
Accidentally bit your tongue? Got hit in the mouth? For cuts or bleeding in the mouth, rinse gently with salt water and apply pressure using clean gauze or a damp tea bag. A cold compress can help reduce swelling.
If the bleeding doesn’t slow down after 15–20 minutes of firm pressure, it’s best to get medical attention right away.
When You’re Not Sure, Reach Out
Not every dental issue needs immediate treatment, but when you’re in pain or something doesn’t feel right, it’s always better to check in. The sooner we can assess the problem, the easier—and often less expensive—the solution.
At Downtown Sleep Dentistry & Oral Surgery, we understand that emergencies can be stressful. That’s why we’re equipped to help patients quickly, calmly, and comfortably—including with sedation options when needed.
