Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Knowing how to respond in the critical first minutes can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, handle it by the crown only — never touch the root. If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline (not water). Attempt to replant it in the socket and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth. If replanting is not possible, store the tooth in milk, saline, or inside your cheek and seek emergency dental care within 30 minutes. Time is the most critical factor — the survival rate drops significantly after one hour.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Save any broken fragments. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheeks. See a dentist as soon as possible.
Severe Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water. Use dental floss to remove any food trapped between teeth. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — this causes chemical burns. If swelling or fever accompanies the pain, seek immediate care as this may indicate an abscess.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a crown falls off, clean it and attempt to temporarily reattach it using denture adhesive or toothpaste. Do not use household glue. See your dentist within 1 to 2 days for proper reattachment.