Don’t Panic: How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies Before You See the Dentist

man holding his cheek during a dental emergency
A man holding his cheek in pain — acting quickly in a dental emergency can make all the difference when saving a tooth.

Dental emergencies can strike at any time — during a meal, a sports game, or even while you’re sleeping. Knowing how to handle them quickly and effectively can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. At Dental Partners of Boston, we want you to feel prepared and confident when faced with urgent dental situations. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to the most common dental emergencies, what to do before you reach our office, and why you should never ignore the warning signs.

Why Dental Emergencies Require Immediate Attention

Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to serious complications, including permanent tooth loss, infections, and systemic health problems. A toothache may seem minor, but if it’s caused by an abscess or advanced decay, delaying treatment can result in:

  • Infection spreading to other areas of the face or jaw
  • Damage to surrounding teeth or gums
  • Costly and invasive treatments down the road
  • Worsening pain and discomfort that affects your daily life

Getting prompt care isn’t just about saving your smile — it’s about protecting your overall health.

Common Dental Emergencies and What You Should Do

Below are some of the most frequent dental emergencies we see, along with immediate first-aid steps to take while en route to our office.

1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

One of the most time-sensitive dental injuries is a knocked-out tooth.

What to do:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).
  • If dirty, gently rinse with water — do not scrub.
  • Try placing the tooth back into its socket. If that’s not possible, store it in a container of milk or your saliva.
  • Get to the dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of reimplantation.

Do not let the tooth dry out or wrap it in tissue.

2. Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth

Cracks or chips can result from biting something hard, an injury, or untreated decay weakening the tooth.

What to do:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water.
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • Collect and bring any tooth fragments.
  • Avoid chewing on that side of the mouth.
  • Schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible.

Why it matters: Even small cracks can expose nerves and blood vessels inside the tooth, leading to infection or further breakage if not treated.

3. Toothache or Abscess

Tooth pain may signal a variety of issues, including cavities, infection, or even impacted teeth.

What to do:

  • Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.
  • Floss gently to remove any trapped food.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (never place aspirin directly on the tooth).
  • Do not apply heat or ignore swelling — this could indicate a dangerous abscess.
  • Contact us immediately, especially if swelling is present or the pain is severe.

Warning: An untreated abscess can spread bacteria to other parts of the body, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can expose sensitive tooth structures.

What to do:

  • Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side.
  • For a lost filling, sugar-free gum or temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can help protect the cavity.
  • If a crown comes off, try placing it back on using denture adhesive or toothpaste as a temporary fix.
  • Bring the crown to your appointment.

Why it matters: The exposed tooth can become highly sensitive and prone to decay or damage.

5. Broken Braces or Wires

Orthodontic appliances can cause discomfort or injury if damaged.

What to do:

  • If a wire is poking your cheek or gum, try covering it with orthodontic wax, gauze, or a small cotton ball.
  • Never cut the wire yourself unless it poses a choking hazard.
  • Schedule a repair appointment right away.

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

Biting your lip, tongue, or having a cut in the mouth can lead to bleeding and discomfort.

What to do:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Apply pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
  • Use a cold compress for swelling.
  • Seek emergency care if bleeding doesn’t stop after 10–15 minutes or if the injury is severe.

How We Help During Dental Emergencies

At Dental Partners of Boston, we ensure you’re seen as quickly as possible. If you call after hours, your call will be forwarded to one of our on-call doctors who can guide you on the next steps and determine if immediate care is necessary.

We treat a wide range of dental emergencies with advanced techniques, including:

  • Root canal therapy
  • Tooth extractions
  • Crown and bridge repair
  • Trauma reconstruction
  • Emergency periodontal care

Our goal is to relieve your pain, preserve your teeth, and prevent further damage.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, some precautions can lower your risk:

  • Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
  • Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packaging.
  • Avoid chewing on ice, pens, or hard candies.
  • See your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.
  • Treat cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues early before they escalate.

Stay Calm, Stay Informed, Stay Protected

The best defense against dental emergencies is preparation. By knowing what to do in those critical first moments, you can reduce pain, preserve your oral health, and increase your chances of a full recovery. Keep our contact information handy, and don’t hesitate to reach out — whether it’s a weekend, a holiday, or after business hours.

If you’re experiencing any signs of a dental emergency, call Dental Partners of Boston immediately. Your health — and your smile — are worth it.

young woman holding her cheek at the dental office during a dental emergency

Need emergency dental care? Don’t wait — call today.

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