A knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken crown can happen at any time. Here's exactly what to do — and what not to do — in a dental emergency.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water — do not scrub or remove tissue fragments. Try to reinsert it in the socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit. Call Accent Family Dentistry immediately — time is critical. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30–60 minutes.
Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove any food that may be causing pressure. Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue. Call our office as soon as possible — severe tooth pain is often a sign of infection that requires prompt treatment.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Save any tooth fragments if possible. Call our office to schedule an appointment. Depending on the severity, treatment may range from bonding to a crown.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown is not usually a true emergency, but it should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage or decay. If a crown has come off, you can temporarily recement it with dental cement (available at pharmacies) until you can be seen. Call our office to schedule a repair appointment.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that requires immediate treatment. Signs include severe throbbing pain, swelling of the face or jaw, fever, and a pimple-like bump on the gum. Call our office immediately. If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to the nearest emergency room — this indicates the infection may be spreading.
About the Author
Dr. Brenda Gong is the founder and lead dentist at Accent Family Dentistry in Angier, NC. She is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based dental care to patients throughout Angier, Fuquay-Varina, Apex, Lillington, Holly Springs, and surrounding North Carolina communities.