Emergency Dentistry
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
· 3 min read · Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team
Quick answer
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Call your dentist right away. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown and keep it in milk. For a broken tooth, save pieces and rinse. For swelling that affects breathing, call 911.
Reviewed by the Healthy Smiles California clinical team · Updated October 12, 2026
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters — see a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes if possible.
Broken tooth
Rinse, save pieces, cold compress and call.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm water, floss gently and call for a free emergency exam.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — book an exam for advice specific to you.
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