Emergency Care · 4 min read
What to Do in a Dental Emergency (Before You Reach the Dentist)
Quick, calm steps for the most common dental emergencies—and how to know when it cannot wait.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ramin Khoshsar, DDS, DMD
Knocked-out tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse gently, and try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, store it in milk and see a dentist within an hour.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to remove trapped food, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Never place aspirin directly on the gums.
Broken tooth or lost crown
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth, and use a cold compress for swelling. A lost crown can be temporarily held with dental cement from a pharmacy until your visit.
When to go to the ER
Facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a suspected jaw fracture require immediate emergency room care.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person exam. Pricing ranges are estimates; your exact fee depends on your diagnosis.
