Dental emergencies have a way of happening at the worst possible time — a weekend, a holiday, a hockey game. The good news is that calm, quick action in the first half hour can save a tooth and ease a lot of pain. Keep this guide somewhere easy to find.
Always call us first. These steps help you manage things on the way in — they are not a substitute for being seen. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or facial swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, treat it as a medical emergency and go to the nearest hospital.
A knocked-out tooth
This is the one true race against the clock. A permanent tooth that is replanted within 30 to 60 minutes has the best chance of survival.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline — do not scrub it.
- If you can, slip it back into the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth.
- If you can't, store it in milk (or inside the cheek for an adult) — never plain water.
- Call us immediately and head in.
A baby tooth that's knocked out should not be replanted — but still call us, as we may want to check the area.
A cracked or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Save any pieces you find. Avoid chewing on that side. A cracked tooth isn't always painful, but it can worsen quickly, so book an urgent visit even if it feels manageable.
A lost filling or crown
Lost restorations are usually uncomfortable rather than dangerous. To tide yourself over:
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on it
- A dab of clove oil on the exposed tooth can dull sensitivity
- A crown can sometimes be temporarily re-seated with dental cement from a pharmacy — never use household glue
A toothache that won't quit
A persistent toothache often signals decay or infection that needs attention. In the meantime:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Floss gently to dislodge any trapped food
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed
Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum — it burns the tissue. If you notice swelling, fever, or a bad taste, you may have an abscess, which needs prompt care.
Swelling or an abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that can spread, so don't wait it out. Rinse with salt water, take pain relief, and call us the same day. Spreading facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing means you should seek emergency care right away.
Bitten lip, tongue, or cheek
Clean the area gently, apply a cold compress, and use light pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding. If bleeding doesn't slow after 15 minutes, get seen.
A simple emergency kit
Keep a small kit at home and in your travel bag:
- A small container with a lid (for a knocked-out tooth)
- Gauze and a cold pack
- Dental cement and clove oil
- Our phone number saved in your contacts
Most emergencies feel scarier than they turn out to be. Stay calm, follow these steps, and call us — we keep room in our schedule for urgent care, and we'll get you comfortable as quickly as we can.
