Your Guide to Common Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time, often occurring on weekends, holidays, or right before big events. Knowing what to do can make a huge difference in protecting your teeth, easing pain, and preventing unnecessary stress.

Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you stay calm and take the right action when a dental emergency happens.

First, Determine if It’s a True Emergency

You should seek urgent care if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain that doesn’t respond to medication
• A knocked-out or severely chipped tooth
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Swelling in the face or gums
• A lost filling, crown or bridge causing pain
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Signs of infection (fever, bad taste, swollen gums)

Go to the emergency room if you have:

• Jaw fractures or dislocations
• Severe facial swelling affecting breathing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Trauma from an accident

Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical as teeth have the best chance of being saved if treated very quickly.

1. Pick up the tooth by the top, not the root.
2. Gently rinse it with water if dirty (don’t scrub).
3. Try to place it back into the socket if possible.
4. If not, store it in milk, a tooth-saving solution, or as a last resort, hold it in your cheek.
5. Call the dentist immediately.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Save any broken pieces.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• If sharp edges are cutting your cheek or tongue, use dental wax or sugar-free gum as a temporary cover.
• Schedule an emergency appointment.

Severe Tooth Pain

Toothaches can be caused by decay, infection, cracks, or gum issues.

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
• Avoid aspirin directly on the gums (it can burn tissue).
• Call your dentist if pain persists for more than a few hours.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a crown falls off:

• Try to place it back over the tooth using toothpaste or dental cement you can get at most pharmacies. Be very careful to not swallow it by accident.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Schedule an urgent dental appointment and bring the crown with you in case it can be used again.

If a filling falls out:

• Use temporary dental material available at most pharmacies to cover the area until you can be seen.
• Keep the area clean to avoid bacteria collecting in the cavity.

Swelling or Infection Requires Prompt Attention

Facial swelling can indicate a serious infection.

Important:
If you are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency room immediately.

Otherwise:

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine.
• Apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
• Contact your dentist the same day, oral infections can spread quickly.

 Preventing Dental Emergencies in the Future

• Wear a mouthguard during sports.
• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice, pens, or hard candies.
• Maintain regular dental cleanings and checkups.
• Address minor tooth issues early before they become urgent.
• Don’t ignore sensitivity or lingering pain.

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but quick, calm action can provide the best possible outcome with the least amount of worry. If you are ever unsure whether something qualifies as an emergency, it’s best to give us a call. We can guide you on the next steps and often fit you in the same day.

KN Dentistry – Orange, CA – (714) 633-2562

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