Dental emergencies can be scary and happen unexpectedly. While most dental care is planned, sometimes you need to see a dentist right away. Knowing when it’s an emergency can help you get the care you need quickly and protect your oral health.
A Tooth is Knocked Out: If your tooth is completely knocked out, this is definitely an emergency. If you can, gently pick up the tooth by the crown (the part you chew with), avoid touching the root. Try to rinse it gently with milk or saline solution if dirty, but do not scrub it. If possible, try to put the tooth back into its socket and hold it there. If you can’t put it back in the socket, keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva and get to a dentist immediately. For a knocked-out baby tooth, while it’s not as urgent to replant, you should still rinse the child’s mouth with water and see a dentist soon to make sure everything is okay.
Chipped or Broken Teeth: If you chip or break a tooth, it can range from a minor issue to an emergency. If you have severe pain, this needs urgent attention. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress on your face to reduce swelling. You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin for pain. Even if the pain is minor, you still need to see a dentist to prevent further damage and restore the tooth, but it might not be an immediate emergency if the pain is manageable.
Lost Crown or Bridge: If a crown (cap) or bridge comes off, it’s usually not a major emergency, but you should still get it fixed quickly. Try to place the crown back on your tooth if you can. Clean the inside of the crown and use a dental adhesive (denture adhesive or even Vaseline in a pinch) to help hold it in place. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to have it properly re-cemented. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods in that area until it’s fixed.
Lost Filling: If a filling falls out, it’s not usually an emergency, but you should see a dentist to get it replaced. The tooth can be sensitive and more prone to damage without the filling. Keep the area clean by rinsing gently with warm salt water. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to get a new filling as soon as you can to protect the tooth.
Preventing Emergencies: The best way to avoid dental emergencies is to take good care of your teeth every day. Brush for two minutes, twice a day, and floss daily. Avoid chewing on hard things like ice or hard candies. Don’t use your teeth to open things. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth from injury. Regular dental check-ups are also key to catching problems early before they become emergencies.
By Alexander Ash, DDS
Dr. Ash is the founder of Studio Dental Care. He earned his Doctorate at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, followed by two General Residencies at New York-Presbyterian / Weill-Cornell Hospital and the UCLA Sepulveda VA Hospital.