Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to See a Dentist

When a dental emergency hits, it can be scary. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a knocked-out tooth, acting quickly can protect your smile and relieve pain. Here’s what to do and how to respond

We will help you understand what classifies as a dental emergency, how to handle it, and when to seek professional help.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that needs immediate care to:

• Stop bleeding
  
• Relieve severe tooth pain
  
• Save a tooth
  
• Treat a possible infection
  

If you’re unsure whether it’s an emergency, it’s always safer to check with a dentist. You can quickly connect with a Dentistry.One dentist over a video call here.

Common Signs of a Dental Emergency:

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Severe, persistent tooth pain
• A tooth that’s fallen out, cracked, or broken
• Swelling of the jaw or face—especially with a fever
• Trauma to the mouth or facial bones
• Visible pus or signs of infection

What to Do for Common Dental Emergencies

1. Severe Tooth Pain

What it feels like: Throbbing or persistent pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen and acetaminophen). You may notice swelling or sensitivity to hot/cold.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
• See a dentist right away, you may need treatment
  

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

What it feels like: A tooth has come completely out of its socket.

What to do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (top of the tooth, not the root).
• Rinse it gently with water—don’t scrub or remove any tissue.
• Try to place it back in the socket if possible.
• If you can’t, place the tooth in milk or your saliva and keep it moist.
• Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
  

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth

What it feels like: Sharp pain when chewing, or sensitivity to temperature. You may feel a jagged edge with your tongue.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  
• Use gauze to stop any bleeding.
  
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
  
• See a dentist as soon as possible: You may need bonding, a crown, or other care.
  

4. Dental Abscess or Infection

What it feels like: Throbbing pain, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or even fever.

What to do:

• Rinse with salt water to help clean the area.
  
• Take pain relievers as directed.
  
• Do not apply heat to your face
  
• Get immediate dental care. Go to the emergency room if you have fever or spreading swelling.
  

5. Soft Tissue Injuries (Lips, Gums, Tongue)

What it feels like: Bleeding, swelling, or cuts inside your mouth.

What to do:

• Rinse gently with warm water.
  
• Use gauze or a clean cloth to apply pressure and stop bleeding.
  
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  
• If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure, go to an emergency room.
  

Not Always an Emergency—But Don’t Ignore

These issues usually don’t require same-day care but still need attention:

• A dull toothache that comes and goes
  
• A lost filling or crown
  
• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold
  
• A chipped tooth with no pain
  

These may not require same-day care, but don’t ignore them. If left untreated, they can turn into something more serious.

When to Go to the ER vs. the Dentist

Go to the emergency room if you have:

• Serious facial trauma or broken bones
  
• Trouble breathing or swallowing
  
• Bleeding that won’t stop
  
• Swelling near your eyes or throat
  
• Fever and chills with dental pain

Go to the dentist for:

• Most other dental emergencies
  
• Urgent but non-life-threatening conditions

With Dentistry.One, you can even schedule a virtual dental visit to get help quickly from home.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Not every emergency can be avoided, but many are preventable with a few habits:

• Wear a mouthguard for sports or teeth grinding
  
• Avoid chewing ice or hard candy
  
• Brush and floss daily
  
• Visit your dentist regularly, even when nothing hurts.
  
• Eat a tooth-friendly diet—limit sugar and boost your intake of calcium and vitamin D.
  

What to Expect During Emergency Dental Care

Most emergency visits begin with a short exam, X-rays if needed, and a discussion of your symptoms. The goal is to stabilize your condition first, whether that means controlling pain, treating an infection, or protecting a damaged tooth.

You might receive:

• Antibiotics for infection
  
• Temporary or permanent fillings
  
• Drainage of an abscess
  
• Tooth extraction (if saving the tooth isn’t possible)
  
• A referral for follow-up care like a root canal or crown