A dental emergency can be frightening, but quick, calm action protects your tooth and eases pain. This guide covers the most common emergencies and what to do before you reach us.
Knocked-out tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown (never the root), rinse it gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If that isn't possible, keep it in milk and call us immediately — reimplantation is most successful within the first hour.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently to remove any trapped debris. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. Persistent pain can signal infection and should be seen promptly.
Broken or lost filling or crown
- Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
- Save any pieces and bring them with you.
- Call to arrange same-day or next-day repair.
When to call right away
Swelling, fever, bleeding that won't stop, or trauma to the face all warrant urgent care. We keep same-day slots open at both offices for exactly these situations.