What to Do in a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency can strike at any moment, whether it’s a severe toothache, a cracked or knocked-out tooth, or facial swelling. Knowing what to do right away can protect your smile and keep minor issues from turning into major ones.
If something serious happens—like uncontrolled bleeding, intense pain, or facial trauma—the very first thing you should do is call your dentist. If they are closed, many have an after-hours number. If a dentist is unavailable, you may need to go to an urgent care center or emergency room. This step gives you expert guidance and may prevent complications like infection or tooth loss.
Suppose you have a tooth that is knocked out; time matters. A powerful tip from emergency dental guidelines is to keep the tooth moist until you reach help. Store it in milk, saline, or even your cheek, but try not to touch the root. This protects the delicate cells needed for successful reattachment.
When you face a cracked tooth, a broken crown, or soft tissue injury, rinse gently with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. You can take over-the-counter pain relief for temporary comfort, but these are only stopgap measures.
Call your dentist as soon as you can. Even if dentists refer some emergencies to the ER for serious facial or jaw injuries, most dental emergencies are best treated in a dental office. In those cases, the ER stabilizes your condition and then refers you for definitive dental care.
A quick and calm response can make all the difference. By calling your dentist immediately, properly preserving injured teeth, and managing pain while seeking professional care, you maximize your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding infection or long-term damage.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic, “What Is a Dental Emergency and Where To Go for Care”
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do
Utah County Smiles, “How an Emergency Dentist Can Help If You Lose A Tooth?”
https://www.utahcountysmiles.com/lost-a-tooth-heres-how-an-emergency-dentist-can-rescue-your-smile/
North Scottsdale Dentistry, “Cracked a Tooth? Here’s What to Do—An Emergency Dentist’s Advice”
https://northscottsdaledentistry.com/cracked-a-tooth-heres-what-to-do/
Verywell Health, “Should I Go to a Hospital or a Dentist for My Dental Emergency?”
https://www.verywellhealth.com/dental-emergency-go-to-the-hospital-or-see-a-dentist-1059301
