What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Quick Guide

A dental emergency can happen at any time—whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury to your gums. Knowing what to do in these situations can help prevent further damage and reduce pain. In this quick guide, we'll cover the most common dental emergencies and the immediate steps you should take before visiting your dentist.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth (also called an avulsed tooth) is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The sooner you act, the higher the chances of saving the tooth.

What to Do:

• Handle the tooth carefully – Pick it up by the crown (top part) and avoid touching the root.
• Rinse with water – If dirty, gently rinse it with water, but do not scrub or remove any tissue attached to it.
• Try to reinsert it – If possible, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it in place.
• Keep it moist – If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth preservation kit. Avoid storing it in water.
• See a dentist immediately – Time is crucial! Try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes.

2. Severe Toothache

Toothaches can be caused by cavities, infections, or gum disease. If the pain is severe and persistent, it could indicate a serious issue.

What to Do:

• Rinse your mouth – Use warm saltwater to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
• Floss gently – Sometimes, food particles stuck between teeth can cause pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief – Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain.
• Apply a cold compress – Place an ice pack on the affected area for 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling.
• See a dentist as soon as possible – If the pain persists, don’t ignore it. It could be an infection that needs immediate treatment.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can be painful and may lead to further damage if left untreated.

What to Do:

• Save any broken pieces – If possible, collect the fragments and bring them to your dentist.
• Rinse your mouth – Use warm water to clean the area.
• Apply gauze if bleeding – Press gently on the area with clean gauze for 10 minutes.
• Use dental wax – If the tooth has sharp edges, you can cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax to prevent cuts.
• See your dentist for repair options – Treatments may include bonding, veneers, or a crown, depending on the extent of the damage.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

If a filling or crown falls out, it can leave your tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.

What to Do:

• Keep the crown or filling safe – If you still have it, bring it to your dentist.
• Use dental cement – You can find temporary dental cement at most pharmacies to cover the exposed tooth until your dental appointment.
• Avoid sticky or hard foods – Chewing on the affected tooth can worsen the situation.
• Visit your dentist promptly – The sooner it’s replaced, the better.

5. Abscess or Swelling

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms around the root of a tooth or in the gums. It can lead to severe pain, fever, and swelling.

What to Do:

• Rinse with saltwater – This can help reduce bacteria and relieve pain.
• Do not pop the abscess – Trying to drain it yourself can make the infection worse.
• Apply a cold compress – This helps reduce swelling.
• Take pain relievers if needed – Avoid aspirin if there’s bleeding.
• Seek emergency dental care – Untreated abscesses can spread to other areas of the body and become life-threatening.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Some dental emergencies require immediate professional attention. Visit a dentist or emergency room if you experience:

• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
• Severe pain that doesn’t subside
• A knocked-out tooth
• Signs of infection (swelling, fever, pus, or difficulty swallowing)

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm and knowing what to do can make a huge difference. If you experience any of these emergencies, contact your dentist as soon as possible for professional treatment.

At Buford Dental, we provide urgent dental care to help you get relief fast. If you’re facing a dental emergency, don’t wait—call us today to schedule an emergency appointment!