A dental emergency can be scary, painful, and sudden. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth from a sports mishap, a throbbing toothache that won’t quit, or a lost filling in the middle of a meal, knowing what to do in those crucial first moments can make a big difference. While your first call should always be to us at All Smiles Dental Studio, here’s a quick guide on how to handle the most common dental disasters before you can get to our office.
Knocked-Out Tooth: The Race Against Time
If a tooth is knocked out completely, staying calm and acting quickly is key. The sooner the tooth is replanted, the better the chance of saving it.
- Find the tooth. Handle it only by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Rinse, don’t scrub. Gently rinse off any dirt with water. Do not use soap or scrub it.
- Reinsert if possible. If you can, gently try to place the tooth back into its socket.
- Keep it moist. If you can’t reinsert it, place it in a small container of milk or a special dental solution like Save-A-Tooth. If neither is available, keep it in your mouth next to your cheek.
- Call us immediately. This is an urgent situation, and we need to see you right away.
Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth
A chipped or cracked tooth can be painful and lead to further damage if not addressed.
- Rinse your mouth. Use warm water to rinse your mouth and clean the area.
- Control swelling. If there’s any swelling, apply a cold compress or ice pack to your face on the outside of your mouth near the injury.
- Call us. Even if the chip is small and painless, it can lead to bigger problems. A cracked tooth is especially serious and requires immediate attention to prevent further fracture.
Severe Toothache or Abscess
A persistent, throbbing toothache or swelling around a tooth can be a sign of an infection or abscess.
- Rinse with warm salt water. This can help to clean the area and provide some temporary relief.
- Do not place aspirin on the tooth. Putting aspirin directly on your gum tissue can cause a burn and damage it.
- Use a cold compress. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling and pain.
- Call us immediately. A severe toothache, especially with swelling or a pimple-like bump on the gums, is an emergency and could signal a dangerous infection.
Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can be alarming and expose the sensitive parts of your tooth, making it vulnerable to further decay and pain.
- Find the filling/crown. If you can, retrieve the filling or crown. This may help us to re-cement it.
- Temporary fix. You can buy a temporary dental cement kit at most pharmacies to place over the exposed area. For a lost crown, a small dab of toothpaste can temporarily hold it in place.
- Avoid chewing on that side. Try to avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further damage.
- Schedule an appointment. Contact us as soon as possible. Your tooth is exposed and needs professional attention to prevent infection.
Conclusion: We're Here to Help
Dental emergencies can be stressful, but taking these steps can help manage the situation until you can be seen by a professional. At All Smiles Dental Studio in Somerville & South Yarra, we are here for you in these moments of need. Our team is experienced in handling a wide range of dental emergencies with compassionate, expert care. Don’t wait—call us immediately if you experience a dental disaster.
