Dental Emergencies: What to Do & When to Call

 Dental emergencies can range from minor issues to serious conditions that require immediate care. Knowing what to do in the moment can help prevent further damage and reduce pain. Here’s a guide on handling common dental emergencies and when to call a dentist.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth

What to Do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
• Rinse gently with water if dirty (do not scrub or remove tissue).
• If possible, place it back into the socket. If not, store it in milk or saliva.
• Seek immediate dental care—best chances of saving the tooth are within 30-60 minutes.

When to Call: Immediately.

2. Severe Toothache

What to Do:

• Rinse with warm water and use floss to remove debris.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause burns.

When to Call: If pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, fever, or drainage (which could indicate an infection or abscess).

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

What to Do:

• Save any broken pieces.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If there’s bleeding, apply gauze.

When to Call: If the break is large, painful, or has sharp edges that could cause injury.

4. Dental Abscess or Swelling

What to Do:

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce bacteria.
• Apply a cold compress to ease swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication.

When to Call: Immediately. Abscesses can spread infection to other parts of the body.

5. Lost Filling or Crown

What to Do:

• If a filling is lost, place sugar-free gum or dental cement in the cavity.
• If a crown is lost, try to reposition it with dental cement (available at pharmacies).

When to Call: If there is pain or difficulty chewing, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

6. Broken Braces or Wires

What to Do:

• If a wire is poking, try covering it with orthodontic wax.
• Do not cut the wire yourself.

When to Call: If the wire is causing injury or discomfort, see your dentist or orthodontist.

7. Object Stuck Between Teeth

What to Do:

• Try using dental floss or an interdental brush.
• Avoid sharp objects like pins or toothpicks.

When to Call: If unable to remove it or experiencing pain/swelling.

Final Note

When in doubt, call your dentist—especially if you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection. If you suspect a life-threatening emergency (difficulty breathing, excessive bleeding, or trauma), call 911 or visit the emergency room.