Dental Emergency? What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist

A throbbing toothache at midnight. A tooth knocked loose at a weekend soccer game. A crown that pops off in the middle of dinner. Dental emergencies rarely come at a convenient time, and what you do in the first few minutes can decide whether a tooth is saved or lost.

This guide walks you through the most common dental emergencies, what to do at home, and when to call us. If you live in Santa Clarita, Norwalk, El Monte, or Long Beach, a Healthy Smiles California office is nearby.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem needs same-day care, but some should never wait. A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, active bleeding, trauma to the teeth or jaw, or signs of infection. When in doubt, call. Our team can help you decide whether you need to be seen right away.

Call an emergency dentist promptly if you have:

• Severe or constant tooth pain that over-the-counter medication does not relieve
• A knocked-out or loose adult tooth
• A cracked, broken, or badly chipped tooth
• Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on the gums, which can signal an abscess
• Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop
• A lost filling or crown that leaves a tooth exposed and sensitive

What to Do for the Most Common Dental Emergencies

Severe Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling and ease pain. You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the label directions. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, since it can burn the tissue.

A toothache that lasts more than a day or two usually means decay, a cracked tooth, or infection. Pain is your body’s warning signal, so schedule an exam instead of waiting for it to go away.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is a true race against the clock. Dentists generally aim to see patients within about 30 to 60 minutes, because the chances of saving the tooth drop quickly after that.

1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white chewing surface), never by the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Do not scrub it or remove tissue fragments.
3. If you can, gently place it back in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a cloth.
4. If you cannot reinsert it, keep it moist in cold milk, or tuck it inside your cheek. Do not store it in plain water.
5. Call an emergency dentist immediately and head to the office.

Note: do not try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. Call your dentist for guidance instead.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

Rinse with warm water and save any pieces you can find. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and use clean gauze to control any bleeding. Even a small crack can allow bacteria to reach the inside of the tooth, so it is worth having it checked quickly. Depending on the damage, treatment may range from bonding or a dental crown to a root canal or extraction.

Lost Filling or Crown

Keep the crown or filling if you can. A lost crown can often be re-cemented if it is intact. Until you are seen, a dab of over-the-counter dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side, and skip very hot, cold, or sticky foods.

Abscess or Facial Swelling

An abscess is a pocket of infection that can form at the root of a tooth or in the gums. Signs include a persistent throbbing toothache, a bad taste in your mouth, fever, and swelling. Do not wait on this one. Dental infections can spread, so call right away. Rinsing with warm salt water can offer temporary comfort, but it is not a treatment.

When to Go to the ER Instead

A dentist is the right call for most tooth emergencies, but head to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Swelling that is spreading quickly toward your eye or neck
• A suspected broken jaw
• A head injury, loss of consciousness, or confusion after trauma

Once you are stable, follow up with a dentist to treat the underlying tooth or jaw injury.

What Not to Do in a Dental Emergency

• Do not ignore the problem and hope it resolves on its own.
• Do not use sharp objects to pick at a painful tooth or gum.
• Do not apply heat to a swollen area, as it can make swelling worse.
• Do not use super glue or household adhesives on teeth or crowns.
• Do not skip the follow-up, even if the pain fades. A toothache that suddenly stops can mean the nerve has died, not that the problem is gone.

How to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

A little planning goes a long way. Save your dental office’s phone number in your phone today, and keep a small kit at home with gauze, a small container with a lid, over-the-counter pain relievers, and dental cement. If your family plays sports, a custom mouthguard is one of the most effective ways to prevent tooth injuries. Regular checkups also help catch decay, cracks, and gum disease before they turn into emergencies. Our preventative dentistry services are designed to do exactly that.