Football player with knocked out tooth

Dental Emergencies 101: What to Do When Accidents Happen and Common Questions Answered

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it—whether a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury or a sudden, severe toothache in the middle of the night. Knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference in saving a tooth and preventing further complications.  

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common dental emergencies include: 

  • Knocked-out tooth 
  • Chipped or broken tooth 
  • Severe toothache lasting more than a week 
  • Abscess or swelling of the gums or tooth 
  • Bleeding gums that won’t stop 
  • Lost or broken dental restorations (fillings, crowns, or bridges) 
  • Serious injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth 

If you have any of the above symptoms, it may be a dental emergency, and you should contact our office to learn what steps to take. Knowing when to seek emergency care is crucial to avoiding permanent damage. 

Common Dental Emergencies and Steps to Take Knocked-Out Tooth 

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root. 
  • If dirty, rinse it gently with water—do not scrub or remove any attached tissue. 
  • Try to place the tooth back into its socket. If that’s impossible, keep it moist in milk, saline solution, or saliva. Avoid water, as it can damage root cells. 
  • See a dentist immediately—teeth have the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30–60 minutes. 

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth 

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water. 
  • If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. 
  • Save any broken pieces and bring them to your dentist. 
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side and schedule a dental visit as soon as possible. 

Severe Toothache 

  • Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area. 
  • Use floss to gently remove any debris that may be stuck between the teeth. 
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums. 
  • If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or fever, see a dentist immediately, as it may indicate an abscess or infection. 

Abscess or Swelling 

  • An abscess is a serious infection that needs urgent attention. Contact us immediately if you notice pus, a pimple-like swelling, or intense pain. 
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water multiple times a day. 
  • Do not try to pop the abscess yourself, as this can spread the infection. 

Uncontrolled Bleeding in the Mouth 

  • Rinse with cold water to clear the blood. 
  • Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a moist tea bag for 10–15 minutes. 
  • If bleeding persists beyond 15–30 minutes, seek emergency dental or medical care. 

Lost Filling or Crown 

  • If a filling falls out, temporarily cover the hole with sugar-free gum or dental wax. 
  • If a crown comes off, try to reattach it with dental cement (available at pharmacies) until you can be seen by one of our dentists. 
  • Avoid chewing on that side until it is repaired. 

Soft Tissue Injuries (Gums, Lips, Tongue, or Cheeks) 

  • Rinse with warm salt water. 
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. 
  • If the bleeding is severe and won’t stop, go to an emergency room or urgent dental care provider. 

FAQs About Dental Emergencies 

What Should I Do If I Knock Out a Tooth? 

Act fast! Keep the tooth moist (preferably in milk or saliva) and get to a dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving it. 

How Do I Stop a Tooth From Bleeding? 

Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or a damp tea bag for 10–15 minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 30 minutes, seek immediate dental care. 

Can a Cracked Tooth Heal on Its Own? 

No, once a tooth is cracked, it needs professional treatment. Leaving it untreated can lead to infection or complete breakage. 

Should I Go to the ER or a Dentist for a Dental Emergency? 

Go to the ER if you have severe bleeding, facial swelling that affects your breathing, or a broken jaw. Otherwise, contact an emergency dentist for dental-specific issues. 

What If My Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth? 

Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth should not be reimplanted. However, you should still see a dentist to ensure there is no damage to the underlying permanent teeth. 

When to Seek Immediate Dental Care 

You should seek emergency dental care if: 

  • A permanent tooth is knocked out. 
  • You experience severe pain or swelling. 
  • There’s uncontrolled bleeding. 
  • You suspect an abscess or infection (signs: fever, pus, swelling). 
  • You have a broken jaw. 

If you aren’t sure whether it’s a dental emergency or it can wait until the following day, don’t hesitate to call our office at Tonka Smiles Phone Number 952-938-8533 and talk to a member of our staff. They can determine whether you can wait a day or two for an appointment or need to be seen and treated immediately.