Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency refers to any urgent dental problem that needs prompt attention to halt bleeding, alleviate intense pain, save a tooth, or address an infection. Typical dental emergencies include sudden toothaches, broken or fractured teeth, and other critical conditions.

You might be experiencing a dental emergency if:

• You are in severe pain or have significant swelling
• You have a persistent, painful toothache
• You have a loose or knocked-out tooth
• You feel swollen in your cheeks or face along with a toothache
• You experience extreme tooth sensitivity
• You have uncontrollable bleeding from the mouth
• Your jaw is injured

What is not a dental emergency?

A scenario is not classified as a dental emergency if you can handle it on your own for a few days without needing to see a dentist. For instance, a cracked or chipped tooth becomes an emergency only if it causes pain or if you have lost a tooth or filling.

How Should You Handle a Dental Emergency?

In the event of a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately. If the situation is extremely severe, visit the emergency room.

Here are some steps to manage your pain at home:

• Press and apply a cold compress to the swollen or painful area
• Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater (1 teaspoon of salt in warm water)
• If you’ve lost a tooth, place it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist
• Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide to help kill bacteria
• Take over-the-counter pain medication for relief
• Floss to alleviate gum pressure

What do I do if I have a toothache?

If you have a toothache, contact your dentist as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment. Until your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any trapped food particles. Over-the-counter pain medication and a cold compress can help reduce pain and swelling.

What to do if my dental filling or crown breaks?

If your dental filling or crown breaks, save any pieces that come out. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you can see your dentist. You can use dental cement, available at most pharmacies, to temporarily hold a crown in place. However, seek professional dental treatment promptly to replace the filling or crown and prevent further damage or infection. 

What if my tooth is loose but still attached?

A loose tooth in an adult is a dental emergency requiring prompt attention. Avoid touching or moving the tooth to prevent further damage. Gently push it back if it’s out of position, and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Stick to soft foods and apply a cold compress for swelling. Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. The dentist will examine the tooth, possibly take X-rays, and determine the best treatment.

What if I have a chipped or cracked tooth?

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. Avoid chewing on the affected side and contact your dentist as soon as possible for an appointment to assess and repair the damage.