Emergency Dental Care

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any issue requiring immediate treatment to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, save a tooth, or treat an infection. Emergencies range from sudden toothaches to chipped or cracked teeth. 

Your situation may be a dental emergency if:

• You are in severe pain or have severe swelling.
• You have a painful toothache that will not go away.
• You have a loose or knocked-out tooth.
• You have swelling in your cheeks or face, along with a toothache. 
• You have extreme tooth sensitivity. 
• You are bleeding from the mouth, and it will not stop. 
• Your jaw is injured. 

What is not a dental emergency?

If you can manage the problem yourself for a few days without needing a dentist, it is not considered an emergency. For example, a minor crack or chip in your tooth is only an emergency if it causes pain or if the tooth or filling is lost.

What is the best way to handle a dental emergency?

In a dental emergency, contact your dentist immediately. For severe issues, visit the emergency room. You can take steps at home to alleviate pain, such as applying a cold compress, rinsing with warm salt water, and taking over-the-counter pain medication. If you have lost a tooth, store it in milk until you can see your dentist. 

What should I do if I have a toothache?

If you have a toothache, call 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 food particles causing discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medication and applying a cold compress can help alleviate pain and swelling. 

What should I do if my dental filling or crown breaks?

If your dental filling or crown breaks, save any pieces and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. You can use dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily hold a crown in place. Seek professional dental treatment promptly to replace the filling or crown and prevent further damage or infection.