Have a dental emergency? Don’t panic. Most dental emergencies are not as life-threatening as other medical crises — the main issue is often severe pain rather than an immediate threat to overall health. You should contact your dentist as soon as possible, but if you can’t see them right away, these practical steps can help you manage the situation safely.
Skim this article to find the section that matches your problem and follow the specific advice for that situation.
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If your face swells up
What it could mean:
- A significant dental infection that requires immediate attention. These infections rarely improve on their own.
- Possible causes include an infected tooth, bone infection, or severe gum infection.
What to do:
- Seek dental care immediately. Delaying treatment for an oral infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
- Keep your head elevated and avoid lying flat, even when sleeping.
- Stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen complications when you have an infection.
If you knocked out a tooth
What it could mean:
- If the tooth is lost, you may need a dental implant to replace the root and crown.
- If you can reinsert the tooth within about an hour, there’s a good chance it can be saved. Even if it’s reimplanted, a root canal may still be needed later.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root damages the cells needed for successful reimplantation.
- For an adult tooth, if you feel confident, try to place the tooth back into the socket. Use the opposite-side tooth as a guide so you don’t insert it upside down. Don’t touch the root. Only attempt this if you are certain about placement.
- Call your dentist immediately to let them know you are coming. If you cannot get an appointment quickly, go to the emergency room. Aim to have the tooth reinserted within an hour if possible.
If you have a broken, cracked, or chipped tooth
What it could mean:
- Small cracks often need a filling; larger losses may require a crown. A tooth split completely may need extraction and an implant. If a crown breaks or falls off, you can often wait a few days to replace it unless there is pain or infection.
What to do:
- Remain calm. If you’re not in pain, you typically have time to schedule treatment. Sensitivity to hot or cold often subsides within hours or days as saliva helps remineralize and soothe the exposed dentin.
- Call your dentist. Describe the damage clearly — for example, “one cusp broke off” or “half the tooth broke.” If possible, send a photo to the office to help them determine whether you need a filling, crown, or extraction and to streamline care.
If you are bleeding from the mouth
What it could mean:
- Bleeding on floss suggests gum disease (gingivitis). Blood in saliva can indicate a more severe issue, such as advanced gum disease or, rarely, other serious conditions.
- Oral bleeding is not normal; the mouth usually stops minor bleeding quickly.
- Persistent bleeding after an extraction requires immediate attention.
What to do:
- If you see blood when you brush or floss, schedule a dental visit soon to treat gum disease before it progresses.
- If bleeding follows a procedure, return to the dentist who performed it or contact an oral surgeon. Keep your head elevated and try to maintain an upright position, especially while sleeping.
If you think you have a gum abscess
What it could mean:
- A gum abscess appears as a small pimple-like bump on the gum that may be red, yellow, white, or clear.
- It can indicate infection of the gum or tooth and may require a root canal, extraction, antibiotics, and X-rays.
- If left untreated, it can cause permanent gum recession; prompt care reduces that risk.
What to do:
- See your dentist right away. Do not attempt to pop the abscess yourself.
- Keep brushing and flossing gently in that area and schedule treatment for the next day.
If you think you have a tooth abscess
What it could mean:
- Symptoms such as lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, severe tenderness when chewing, positional pain, or spontaneous pain suggest a pulpal abscess — an infection inside the tooth that often requires a root canal.
What to do:
- Don’t delay. A pulpal abscess can progress to facial swelling or systemic complications. Arrange dental care for the next day.
- If you can’t reach your dentist, seek an endodontist (root canal specialist) directly; you do not always need a referral.
If you have pain when you bite
What it could mean:
- Cracked tooth syndrome can cause bite pain; placing a crown early can prevent further splitting and reduce the chance of root canal therapy or tooth loss.
- Muscle pain from teeth grinding (bruxism) can feel like bite pain; this is not typically an emergency but should be evaluated within a month.
- Bite pain can also be a sign of a pulpal abscess.
What to do:
- See your dentist within a week.
- Avoid chewing on the painful tooth to prevent a crack from worsening or extending through the tooth.
If you had an injury, fall, or accident
What it could mean:
- Injuries range from minor to severe. Prompt evaluation often determines whether a tooth can be saved, so timely care is important.
What to do:
- Seek dental or oral surgery evaluation immediately.
- If you’re heading to the emergency room, call your dentist; they may be able to meet you there. If a tooth is displaced, prompt reimplantation or stabilization improves outcomes.
- Ask your dentist to rule out a fractured jaw, which can sometimes be missed in ER settings.
- Apply ice to the jaw area for the first three days and consider short-term anti-inflammatory medication for swelling and pain.
If you were injured in a dental procedure
What it could mean:
- Some procedures can cause post-operative pain, swelling, or, rarely, infection.
What to do:
- If a tongue or cheek laceration is not stitched, ask for a referral to an oral surgeon. Proper closure can reduce scarring and speed healing.
- If the tongue is cut or burned, expect significant swelling and pain. Seek evaluation promptly as these injuries can bleed heavily and risk infection.
What to do for a tongue injury:
- See an oral surgeon the same day.
- Suck on ice to reduce swelling and pain until you get care.
- To control bleeding, apply firm pressure with gauze or bite gently on gauze placed over the wound.
If you have a toothache
What it could mean:
- Toothaches can result from decay, cavities, gum disease, or from grinding your teeth (bruxism).
What to do:
- Control inflammation to reduce pain. A commonly used short-term approach is the 3-3-3 method: 600 mg of ibuprofen (three 200 mg tablets) up to three times daily for short-term relief, but confirm suitable dosing with your healthcare provider.
- Schedule a complete dental exam to identify the underlying cause and determine definitive treatment.
You have something stuck between your teeth
What it could mean:
- A foreign body, like a popcorn hull or seed, can lodge between teeth and trigger an inflammatory reaction that causes pain.
- Long-term prevention may require adjusting the contact between teeth with a new filling or crown so food doesn’t become trapped again.
What to do:
- Use floss with a small knot to enlarge its surface and dislodge the item. Knot size is key — one or a few knots that close in on each other often work well.
- If manual floss is difficult to maneuver, try a flossing aid with a handle to reach tight spots more easily.
If you don’t have dental insurance
What to do:
- Look into discount dental plans.
- Contact a local dental school, which may offer reduced-cost care.
- Search for free or low-cost clinics and community health centers in your area.
Remember: dental problems tend to worsen and become more costly the longer they are left untreated. If pain prevents you from making decisions, ask a trusted friend or family member to help schedule an appointment and manage care until you see a dentist.
Dentists aim to relieve pain and prevent future emergencies. Prompt attention and preventive care are the best ways to protect your oral health.
Dr. Mark Burhenne
Learn More:9 Unexpected Ways Teeth Get Chipped