01Jul
What to Do When You Have a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can happen without warning, and they often bring pain, stress, and uncertainty. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, knocked one out, or are experiencing intense pain, it’s important to stay calm and take the right steps. As an experienced dentist, I’ve seen how quick thinking in those first few moments can protect your teeth and reduce long-term damage. At Total Dental Arts, we always want our patients to feel prepared and know what to do when urgent dental issues arise. Knowing when to act immediately and when it’s okay to wait a few hours can make all the difference in preserving your oral health.
I’m Dr. Kourosh, and I want to share some advice on what to do during a dental emergency. If something feels wrong, it’s better to call than to guess. Some injuries need treatment right away, while others can wait until the next day. My goal is to give you clear steps to follow, whether you’re dealing with pain, trauma, or a damaged restoration. Below, I’ve outlined what I recommend for the most common dental emergencies I see in my practice.
Common Dental Emergencies And What To Do
Toothache Or Severe Pain
If you have a persistent toothache, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums—it can cause burns. Pain that doesn’t go away may be a sign of infection or a cracked tooth, so it’s important to schedule an appointment with me as soon as possible.
Chipped Or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if possible. If the area is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. Cold compresses on the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling. Call our office so I can evaluate the damage and repair the tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse it gently if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or remove tissue fragments. If you can, place the tooth back in its socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in a container of milk or your own saliva. Time matters here—come see me within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Lost Filling Or Crown
Losing a filling or crown can cause sensitivity. You can place a small amount of dental cement or even sugarless gum into the cavity temporarily. If a crown comes off, keep it and bring it with you to our office. I’ll evaluate whether it can be re-cemented or if we need a new restoration.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
Try gently flossing to remove it, but avoid using sharp objects like pins or toothpicks. If the object doesn’t come out, I’ll need to remove it safely at the office to prevent injury to your gums or enamel.
Soft Tissue Injuries (Gums, Lips, Tongue)
Clean the area gently and apply pressure to stop bleeding. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes or is severe, you may need emergency care. For minor injuries, a cold compress and saltwater rinses can provide relief.
Dental Emergency Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do If I Chip A Tooth?
If you chip a tooth, stay calm and check for bleeding or swelling. Rinse their mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and bring them to your appointment. Even small chips should be evaluated by me to ensure the nerve is not exposed and to prevent future complications. Depending on the severity, I may repair it with bonding, a filling, or a crown.
Is A Toothache Always A Dental Emergency?
Not every toothache is an emergency, but persistent pain should not be ignored. Pain can be a sign of infection, decay, or a cracked tooth. If the pain is severe, keeps you up at night, or comes with swelling or fever, it’s best to contact my office right away. Early treatment can prevent the issue from spreading or requiring more extensive care later
How Quickly Should I See A Dentist After A Tooth Is Knocked Out?
A knocked-out tooth should be seen immediately, ideally within 30 minutes. The faster you get to the office, the better the chances I can reimplant the tooth successfully. Be sure to handle the tooth by the crown and keep it moist in milk or saliva. Do not let it dry out. Quick action is key to saving the tooth.
Can I Go To The Emergency Room For Dental Pain?
Hospital emergency rooms can help with infections or serious facial trauma, but they usually don’t provide dental treatments like fillings or root canals. If you’re in severe pain or have swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing, the ER is appropriate. Otherwise, call Total Dental Arts so I can assess the cause and provide proper dental care quickly.
What Should I Have At Home For Dental Emergencies?
It’s a good idea to keep a small dental first aid kit at home. Include gauze, a cold compress, over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen), dental cement from the pharmacy, floss, and a small container with a lid for transporting a knocked-out tooth. Having these on hand can help manage the situation until you can get to our office.
Call Total Dental Arts If You’re Having A Dental Emergency
If you’re dealing with pain, a knocked-out tooth, swelling, or a broken restoration, don’t wait. Dental emergencies need fast attention to protect your teeth and prevent serious issues. At Total Dental Arts, we offer emergency dental care to help you get relief and avoid long-term problems.
Contact our Centreville dentist Dr. Kourosh at Total Dental Arts by calling (703) 890-3200 to schedule your consultation. We are located in Centreville, Virginia, and proudly serve patients throughout Fairfax County. When something unexpected happens to your teeth, we’re here to help you feel better, quickly, and safely.
