What to Do in a Dental Emergency: Quick Actions That Can Save Your Smile

A dental emergency may arise at any time, and at the most inconvenient moment. A broken tooth or a sports accident are some of the prerequisites of emergency services offered at dental offices. Your immediate action may become the key to further restoration of your natural teeth.

The next thing is to ascertain which problem requires immediate attention, or is it a routine appointment? Common dental emergencies include:

• Severe toothache or pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medicine
• Knocked-out or displaced teeth
• Broken, chipped, or fractured teeth
• Lost fillings or crowns
• Abscesses, swelling, or infections in the mouth
• Injuries to the gums, tongue, or jaw

What to Do Right Away in a Dental Emergency

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It’s easy to panic during a dental emergency, but staying calm is essential. Take a deep breath and evaluate the problem.

Determine if it’s a true emergency or something that can wait for a regular appointment. Severe pain, significant bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth almost always requires immediate professional attention.

2. Control Bleeding

For injuries involving bleeding, such as a knocked-out tooth or a cut in the mouth, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clear debris. Place a clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure to manage bleeding.

If bleeding is heavy and doesn’t stop within 10–15 minutes, seek emergency care immediately.

3. Save a Knocked-Out Tooth

With a permanent tooth that is knocked out completely, it is essential to respond quickly:

• Hold the tooth at the crown, leaving the root.
• Rinse gently with water if dirty (do not scrub or remove tissue)
• Place it back in the socket if possible, or keep it in a container with milk, saline, or your saliva
• Call your dentist at once; immediate re-implantation has a much better success rate of saving the tooth

4. Manage Pain and Swelling

Over-the-counter pain relief can help manage discomfort while waiting for professional care. Trauma can result in swelling that cold compresses can help ease when applied to the cheekbone on the outside.

Aspirin should not be placed in direct contact with gums or the affected tooth because this may produce chemical burns.

5. Protect Damaged Teeth

If a tooth is chipped or fractured, bring any broken pieces to your dentist and preserve them. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can cover sharp edges, but professional repair is always necessary to prevent further damage or infection.

6. Avoid Certain Foods and Habits

During a dental emergency, avoid chewing on the affected side. Stay away from hard, sticky, or sugary foods that could worsen damage.

Drink water to rinse away debris, but avoid hot or cold beverages if the tooth is sensitive.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

Certain situations require immediate professional intervention, including:

• Knocked-out permanent teeth
• Severe facial trauma or jaw fractures
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
• Intense, persistent pain

Even if symptoms seem mild, contacting an emergency dentist is wise—they can provide guidance and ensure complications are avoided.

Common Myths About Dental Emergencies

Many people delay treatment due to myths such as:

• “It’s just a toothache; it will go away.” Toothaches often signal decay, infection, or nerve damage. Ignoring them can lead to more complex procedures.
• “I can fix a knocked-out tooth myself.” While temporary measures like placing the tooth in milk help, only a dentist can safely re-implant it.
• “I don’t need a dentist if it’s not painful.” Pain is not always immediate. Some issues, like infections, can progress silently. Prompt assessment is crucial.

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

While accidents happen, you can reduce risk with preventive measures:

• While being active or playing sports, wear a mouthguard
• Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch problems early
• Practise good oral health to avoid decay and infections
• Do not chew hard things such as ice or pens
• Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol consumption

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies are stressful situations; however, by knowing what to do and when, you will be able to save your teeth, preserve your smile and avoid complications. Preparation, calm thinking, and immediate action are key.

If you ever face a dental emergency in Leederville, don’t wait—contact our experienced team immediately. We provide urgent care and help restore your smile with the right treatment, fast.