What to do when a dental problem can’t wait
A dental emergency can be frightening — especially when it happens outside office hours. This guide walks you through what to do in the moments right after it happens, so you can protect your teeth (and your peace of mind) until you can get to the office.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency right now, call us. If it’s after hours, please leave a message and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. For anything involving heavy bleeding, facial trauma, or difficulty breathing/swallowing, go to your nearest emergency room right away.
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies — acting within the first 30–60 minutes gives the tooth the best chance of being saved.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water — do not scrub it or use soap.
- Try to place it back in the socket, facing the right way. If that’s not possible, keep it moist by placing it in a small container of milk (or, if unavailable, saliva).
- Call our office immediately and come in as soon as you can. Time matters.
Severe Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clear any debris.
- Gently floss around the tooth in case something is trapped between teeth.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the packaging — avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue.
- A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help with swelling and discomfort.
- Call our office — persistent tooth pain is often a sign of infection or decay that needs attention soon.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.
- Save any broken piece of tooth if you can find it, and bring it with you.
- Call our office to schedule an appointment — even small chips are worth having checked, since they can weaken the tooth over time.
Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm water.
- If you still have the crown, you can try using a small amount of temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) or even sugar-free gum to hold it in place temporarily — never use super glue.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Call our office to schedule a repair as soon as possible; leaving it too long can allow the tooth underneath to become more vulnerable.
Object Caught Between Teeth
- Try gently removing it with dental floss.
- Avoid using sharp or pointed objects like pins or needles, which can injure your gums.
- If it won’t come loose, call our office rather than continuing to try — repeated attempts can damage the gum tissue.
Bitten Lip, Tongue, or Cheek
- Clean the area gently with water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- If there’s bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes of gentle pressure, seek emergency medical care.
Abscess or Swelling (Possible Infection)
Facial swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or a bad taste that won’t go away can be signs of an infection.
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.
- Do not attempt to drain or pop any swelling yourself.
- Call our office promptly — dental infections can spread if left untreated, and in rare cases can become serious.
If swelling spreads to your eye or neck, or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room immediately.
A Quick Word on Prevention
Many dental emergencies — especially chipped teeth and dislodged crowns — happen during sports or from chewing on hard objects like ice or pens. A properly fitted mouthguard and a few small habit changes go a long way toward avoiding an emergency in the first place.
Remember: this guide is meant to help you manage the first few minutes of a dental emergency — it isn’t a substitute for being seen by a dentist. When in doubt, call our office.
Dr. Mustafa Alani 