Dental Emergency? Here’s Exactly What to Do

Dental emergencies don’t follow a schedule — they happen on weekends, late at night, or while you’re far from your usual dentist. Knowing what to do in the first minutes can make a real difference in the outcome. Here’s a practical guide to the most common dental emergencies.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one situation where every minute counts. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it very gently with water — do not scrub, and do not remove any attached tissue. If possible, try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there gently. If that’s not possible, store it in milk, in the patient’s own saliva, or against the inside of the cheek — keeping the root moist is critical. Call a dentist immediately. Re-implantation success is much higher within 30 to 60 minutes.

Note: this applies to adult teeth only. Do not attempt to re-implant a child’s baby tooth.

Severe Tooth Pain

If pain is severe, constant, or waking you up, call a dentist that day. Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen is preferred if you can take it) while you arrange care. If you have facial swelling, fever, difficulty swallowing, or trouble opening your mouth alongside the pain, go to an emergency room or urgent care — these can indicate a spreading infection that requires immediate attention.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection. Signs include throbbing pain, facial or gum swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gum, and sometimes fever. This is urgent. The infection can spread and become life-threatening if it reaches the throat or jawbone. Call a dentist or go to urgent care. Rinsing with warm saltwater can provide some temporary relief.

Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth

Save any pieces if possible. Rinse the mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the face to reduce swelling. If there’s a sharp edge cutting the tongue or cheek, a small piece of sugarless gum or dental wax can temporarily cover it. Call your dentist — not all broken teeth are emergencies, but they should be evaluated within a day or two.

Lost Filling or Crown

This is uncomfortable but rarely an emergency unless there’s pain. Dental cement or even a small piece of sugarless gum can temporarily cover an exposed cavity until you can be seen. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods on that side. Call your dentist within a couple of days.

When in Doubt, Call

Dental emergencies that are difficult to reach a dentist for — especially for seniors, homebound patients, or those without transportation — can be addressed with a mobile dental visit. Smiles by Delivery offers urgent in-home care for the Phoenix area. When something goes wrong, call us.