What To Do in a Dental Emergency
First, call us.
The steps below can help in the moments before treatment, but they don't replace professional care.
Call us right away and we'll do our best to see you as soon as possible.
A calm, quick response can make a real difference in a dental emergency, sometimes even saving a tooth. Find your situation below for what to do right now.
First Aid by Situation
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface). Never touch the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse gently with milk or water. Do not scrub or remove attached tissue.
- If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on clean gauze.
- If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk (or tucked inside an adult's cheek). Never use plain water.
- Call us immediately and head our way; aim to reimplant within about 30 minutes.
Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling.
- Save any tooth fragments in milk or water if you can.
- Avoid chewing on that side and call us to arrange care.
Severe Toothache
- Rinse gently with warm water and floss carefully to remove any trapped food.
- A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can ease discomfort and swelling.
- Do not place aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, as it can burn the tissue.
- Call us so we can identify and treat the underlying cause.
Lost Filling or Crown
- Keep the crown if you still have it, and bring it to your visit.
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
- Over-the-counter dental cement can temporarily protect the tooth, but it's not a substitute for professional care.
- Call us to have the tooth re-restored promptly.
Abscess or Swelling
- Rinse gently with warm salt water a few times a day to ease discomfort.
- Do not apply heat or try to drain it yourself; a cold compress on the cheek can help.
- Call us promptly, since a dental infection needs professional treatment.
- If swelling spreads or affects breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the ER.
Bleeding or Soft-Tissue Injury
- Clean the area gently with warm water.
- Apply firm, steady pressure with clean gauze or a moistened tea bag for 15–20 minutes.
- Use a cold compress to limit swelling.
- If bleeding won't stop, seek urgent care by calling us or going to the ER.
When to Go to the ER Instead
A dental office isn't the right place for life-threatening problems. Call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe or rapidly spreading facial swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious jaw or head injury.
Done with first aid? Call us now so we can take it from here.