Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can ease pain, prevent further damage, and sometimes even save a tooth. Here is a quick guide to the situations we see most often. Many dental emergencies can be managed well if you stay calm and act quickly.

Knocked-out adult tooth

• Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), never by the root.
• If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Do not scrub it.
• If possible, gently push it back into the socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• If that is not possible, keep it in a small container of milk or inside your cheek (not for young children).
• See a dentist as quickly as possible. The best chance of saving the tooth is within about an hour.

Note: Do not try to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. Call us for guidance instead.

Chipped or broken tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces you can find, and apply a cold compress to the cheek to reduce swelling. Call us to schedule a visit, even if it does not hurt, since a crack can get worse over time.

Severe toothache

Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove anything that might be stuck. An over-the-counter pain reliever, taken as directed on the label, can help in the meantime. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. A toothache that is severe or lasts more than a day or two needs to be examined.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown if you have it. Temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can hold it in place until your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side and call us to have it properly repaired.

When to go to the ER

Head to the emergency room or call 911 if you have facial swelling that is spreading or affecting your breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, a high fever with dental pain, or a possible broken jaw. These can be serious and need immediate medical care.

Preventing dental emergencies

Not all dental emergencies can be avoided, but many sports injuries can. Read why every athlete needs a mouthguard. The American Dental Association also has a helpful emergency care overview on MouthHealthy.org.

We are here to help

If you have a dental emergency, call Michiana Family Dental right away. We do our best to see urgent cases promptly and get you out of pain. It is a good idea to save our number in your phone now, so it is there when you need it.