Common Dental Emergencies
🦷 Toothache
Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum. Take OTC pain reliever as directed and call us right away — toothaches can signal infection.
🔴 Knocked-Out Tooth
Act fast — time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently if dirty. Reinsert into the socket if possible, or keep it moist in milk or between your cheek and gum. Get to our office or an emergency clinic immediately.
🟡 Chipped or Broken Tooth
Save any pieces. Rinse with warm water. Apply gauze if bleeding and a cold pack to reduce swelling. Call us — even small chips should be evaluated to prevent further damage.
🟠 Lost Filling or Crown
Dental cement (available at pharmacies) can temporarily protect the tooth or hold a crown in place. Do not use super glue. Call us to get it properly re-cemented.
🔵 Dental Abscess / Infection
Signs include severe toothache, fever, facial swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. Rinse with salt water and call us immediately. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room.
⚪ Soft Tissue Injuries
Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to the lips, gums, cheeks, or tongue. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes, go to urgent care or the ER.
Prevention is the best emergency plan.
Wear a mouthguard for contact sports, avoid chewing ice and hard candies, never use your teeth as tools, and keep up with regular exams. We catch problems early — before they become emergencies.