Dental emergencies don’t wait for a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can genuinely be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
The American Dental Association defines a dental emergency as any situation requiring immediate care to stop uncontrolled bleeding, relieve severe pain, or address serious infection. If you’re dealing with any of these, don’t wait it out.
What to Do, By Situation
- Knocked-out tooth — Handle it by the crown only (never the root), rinse gently if dirty, and keep it moist — in milk or tucked inside your cheek. Get to a dentist as quickly as possible; re-implantation is time-sensitive.
- Uncontrolled bleeding — Apply steady, gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth and call for an emergency appointment right away.
- Severe toothache — Rinse with warm water and gently floss to clear anything trapped between teeth. Never place aspirin directly against the tooth or gum — it can burn the tissue.
- Cracked tooth — Rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Most fractures can be repaired with a filling or crown.
- Dislodged filling or crown — Save the piece if you can, and cover the exposed tooth with sugar-free gum until you’re seen.
- Broken bracket or wire — Cover any sharp edge with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum, and save any piece that comes loose.
Reducing Your Risk
A properly fitted mouthguard for contact sports and regular checkups to catch developing problems early are the two most effective ways to prevent an emergency before it happens.
Facing a dental emergency? Call Densley Dental at (702) 212-6641 — we’re here to help.