What to Do in a Dental Emergency Archives

Posted on: May 4, 2025May 9, 2025

A step-by-step guide on what to do in a dental emergency

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing what to do in those critical moments can make a big difference in saving your tooth or preventing further damage. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a severe toothache, or a broken crown, staying calm and taking the right steps can help you manage the situation until you can see your dentist. To deal with common dental emergencies, here is a straightforward and step-by-step guide.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth/broken

If your tooth breaks out, quick action is key.
Try to stay calm by taking a deep breath and staying calm.
To locate the Tooth, grip it with the crown (the part you chew with) instead of the root.
Rinse gently: If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water. Avoid scrubbing.
If it’s possible, try to gently insert the tooth back into its socket when reinserting or
storing it safely. If not, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit until you reach the
dentist.
See Your Dentist Immediately: A broken tooth has the best chance of being saved if
you get to the dentist within an hour.

2.Toothache

Rinse with Warm Water: Clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water.
Floss Gently: Remove any food particles stuck between your teeth.
Apply a Cold Compress: If there’s swelling, use a cold compress on the outside of your
cheek.
Avoid Painkillers on the Gums: Don’t place painkillers directly on your gums, as this can
cause burns.
See Your Dentist: Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to identify and treat
the cause of the pain.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth can be alarming, but quick action can help:
Save the Pieces: If you can, find the broken pieces of your tooth.
Rinse with Warm Water: Clean your mouth and the broken pieces with warm water.
Apply a Cold Compress: Reduce swelling by applying a cold compress to your face.
See Your Dentist: Contact your dentist immediately for repair.
Broken Braces : If a brace wire sticks out of its bracket, try pushing it back with the
eraser end of a pencil.
If that’s not possible, cover its end with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or gauze.
Don’t try cutting the wire as you may swallow it or breathe it into the lungs.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but knowing what to do can help you protect your
teeth and reduce pain until you get professional care. Always remember, your dentist is
there to help in these situations, so don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or treatment.
At Dentistium, we’re ready to assist you in any dental emergency. Make sure to have our
contact information on hand and stay alert!