Dental emergencies always seem to happen at the worst time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save a tooth and spare you a lot of pain.
Common dental emergencies
- Severe toothache
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cracked or broken tooth
- Lost filling or crown
- Swelling or a painful bump on the gums
- Injury to the lips, tongue or jaw
What to do right away
- Knocked-out tooth: Hold it by the crown, not the root. Rinse gently and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk and call us immediately.
- Broken tooth: Rinse with warm water, save any pieces and use a cold compress for swelling.
- Toothache: Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
- Lost crown: Keep the crown safe. Dental cement from a pharmacy can hold it temporarily.
When to go to the ER
Head to the emergency room for heavy bleeding that won’t stop, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a suspected broken jaw.
Getting care fast
Each Ocean Dental Group office answers its own phone. Call your nearest office directly, and our team will do everything possible to see you the same day.