Handling Dental Emergencies: What to Do When the Unexpected Happens
Accidents happen when you least expect them—and dental emergencies are no exception. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a sports injury, or a chipped tooth at dinner, knowing how to respond in the moment can make all the difference in saving a tooth, easing discomfort, and preventing more serious complications.
At Dental Excellence, we’re here to guide you through some of the most common dental emergency situations—and what to do until you can get to our office.
Toothache
Tooth pain can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense discomfort. If you or your child is experiencing a toothache:
Gently clean the area with a soft toothbrush and floss to remove any trapped debris.
Avoid sweetened foods, crunchy snacks, or extreme temperatures, which can worsen sensitivity.
Check the gums for swelling or signs of an abscess—a bubble-like area could indicate infection.
Facial swelling or difficulty breathing could be a sign of a serious infection. In these cases, go to the emergency room immediately.
Over-the-counter pain relief can help. Ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are commonly recommended. Never place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums—it can cause burns.
Call us for an evaluation as soon as possible.
Tooth Displacement or Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been pushed out of place, try to gently reposition it and hold it in place with a clean towel.
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed):
Do not touch the root—only handle the crown of the tooth.
If the tooth is clean, reimplant it into the socket immediately.
If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with milk, then reinsert it if possible.
Apply pressure with a towel and get to the dentist immediately—time is critical to saving the tooth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Even minor chips can be sharp and uncomfortable, while larger breaks may expose the nerve.
Call your dentist right away.
Minor chips may be smoothed out, while more severe fractures may require bonding, a crown, or root canal therapy, depending on the extent of the damage.
Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Tongue, Cheeks)
Mouth injuries can bleed a lot, but they’re often treatable at home with the right care:
Apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, call your dentist or visit a doctor—stitches may be needed.
If bleeding subsides, clean the area gently and apply an ice compress to reduce swelling.
Follow up with your dentist to ensure proper healing.
Be Prepared: Keep an Emergency Dental Kit Handy
Dental emergencies are stressful—but preparation can help you stay calm and act quickly. We recommend having a small dental emergency kit at home or in your car that includes:
Gauze or clean cloth
A lidded container
Saline or milk (for knocked-out teeth)
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Your dentist’s contact information
We’re Here When You Need Us
Dental emergencies are never convenient, but knowing what to do can protect your health and your smile. At Dental Excellence, we’re committed to helping you get out of pain—and back to smiling—as quickly as possible.
📞 Call us if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We’re here to help, whenever you need us.