Dental Emergency Guide

A knocked-out permanent tooth can potentially be saved if treated quickly. Time is critical -- try to see us within 30 minutes.

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part you see in your mouth). Do NOT touch the root.
2. Gently rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty. Do not scrub, dry, or wrap it in tissue.
3. Try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth.
4. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a container of cold milk, saline solution, or hold it between your cheek and gum in your own saliva.
5. Do NOT let the tooth dry out.
6. See us as soon as possible -- ideally within 30 minutes.

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Save any broken pieces if possible.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.
• Call our office to schedule an emergency visit.

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of water).
• Gently floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped food that may be causing pressure.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief (ibuprofen is usually most effective for dental pain).
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
• Do NOT place aspirin or any other painkiller directly on your gums -- this can burn the tissue.
• Do NOT apply heat to the area.
• Call our office for an appointment.

• Save the crown if you can find it -- bring it to your appointment.
• If the crown is intact, you can try to temporarily reattach it with over-the-counter dental cement or denture adhesive (available at most pharmacies). Do NOT use household glue.
• Apply clove oil (euganol) to the exposed tooth with a cotton swab for temporary pain relief.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Call our office to schedule a repair appointment.

• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day to help draw the infection toward the surface.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as needed.
• Do NOT pop, squeeze, or press on the swelling.
• Call our office immediately -- you may need antibiotics and treatment.
• If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, go to the emergency room.

• Clean the area gently with water.
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding.
• If bleeding does not stop within 15-20 minutes, go to the emergency room.

The following situations are not emergencies but should still be addressed by scheduling a regular appointment:

• Minor tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• A small chip with no pain or sharp edges
• Slight gum bleeding when flossing (common if you are new to flossing)
• A tooth that feels slightly loose (in children with baby teeth, this is normal)
• Mild jaw soreness

Even if it is not an emergency, don't ignore ongoing symptoms. Schedule an appointment so we can evaluate and address the issue before it becomes more serious.