The first 30 minutes of a dental emergency often determine whether we can save the tooth. These are the most common situations and the exact steps to take before you get to the clinic — save this page on your phone.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Pick up the tooth by the crown, never the root. Rinse gently with water if dirty — do not scrub. Try to place it back in the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk (not water) and get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The faster you arrive, the better the chance of successful re-implantation.

Severe Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Gently floss to remove trapped food. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Take over-the-counter pain relief — never apply aspirin directly to the gum, which burns tissue. See a dentist within 24 hours.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Save any large pieces in milk if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply cold compress to reduce swelling. Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum to protect your tongue and cheek until your appointment.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a crown falls out, clean it and try to slip it back over the tooth with dental cement from a pharmacy (sugarless gum works in a pinch). For a lost filling, plug the cavity with sugarless gum to keep food out until you can be seen. This is not an overnight emergency — book within a week.

When to Go Straight to the ER

Any facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure, fever with severe tooth pain, or a jaw injury after a fall or accident — go to the emergency room first. A dental infection that has spread can be life-threatening and needs IV antibiotics.

We reserve same-day appointments for dental emergencies. If something feels urgent, call us directly — we will fit you in as fast as possible.

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By Dr. Michael Reyes · May 22, 2026 · Emergency Care