Dental Emergencies: What to Know and How to Respond

Dental emergencies can be sudden, painful, and stressful. Prompt treatment is critical not only to relieve discomfort but also to maximize the chances of saving the affected teeth. Delaying care can worsen pain and potentially threaten overall health.

Dental emergencies may result from trauma, teeth grinding, biting hard objects, or problems with restorations such as fillings and crowns.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Avulsed Tooth (Tooth Knocked Out)

If a tooth is completely knocked out, immediate dental attention is essential. Rapid action gives the tooth the best chance to reattach successfully.

Steps to take:

  1. Contact our office immediately.
  2. Handle the tooth by the crown; avoid touching the root. Rinse gently with warm water.
  3. If possible, place the tooth back in its socket. If not, tuck it safely into the cheek or store it in milk, saliva, or water to keep it moist.
  4. Reach our office as quickly and safely as possible.

Depending on the severity, the tooth may reattach naturally, or root canal therapy may be required.

Lost Filling or Crown

Fillings and crowns can come loose, often due to decay altering the shape of the underlying tooth. A loose or lost restoration can cause sensitivity to temperature and pressure.

Steps to take while waiting for your appointment:

  • Apply clove oil to ease pain.
  • Clean the crown and, if available, temporarily reattach it with dental cement (sold at pharmacies).
  • Do not use household glue.

At the office, the dentist will evaluate the crown’s fit, treat any decay, and, if necessary, create a new crown.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Teeth can crack or break due to trauma, grinding, or biting hard objects. Pain severity depends on the extent of the damage, particularly if the crack reaches the root.

At-home care:

  1. Contact our office immediately.
  2. Rinse the tooth fragment and mouth with lukewarm water.
  3. Apply gauze to control bleeding.
  4. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
  5. Over-the-counter dental cement can provide temporary coverage.
  6. Pain relievers may help manage discomfort.

Treatment depends on the break’s severity. Root canal therapy is often needed if the crack extends to the root, while fragments may be temporarily reattached to protect the tooth.

Dislodged or Loose Teeth

Teeth that are loosened or partially displaced may still be saved, especially if the tooth remains attached to its nerves and blood vessels.

Steps to take:

  • Call our office immediately.
  • Apply a cold compress and take over-the-counter pain relief as needed.

Your dentist will reposition the tooth and stabilize it with a splint. In some cases, root canal therapy may be required if healing does not progress properly.

Dental emergencies should never be ignored. Prompt care can save teeth, relieve pain, and prevent further complications.

For any dental emergency, contact our office immediately.