What to Do During a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies often strike without warning, a sudden fall, an unexpected bite into something hard, or a toothache that becomes unbearable overnight. These situations can be painful, frightening, and overwhelming. But knowing what to do in the first few moments can make all the difference.

At Tiger Family Dental in Sedalia, MO, we’re here to help you take the right steps and get the urgent care you need. Whether you’re dealing with severe pain, a broken tooth, or an injury, our team is trained to offer fast, compassionate emergency care, including sedation dentistry options to keep you comfortable during treatment.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency and what doesn’t is the first step to protecting your smile. If you’re in severe pain, bleeding, or have experienced trauma to your mouth, it’s best to contact a dentist immediately. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies:

1. Severe Toothache

A toothache that won’t go away could indicate an abscess or infection. Left untreated, this could spread to other parts of your body. Start by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water and applying a cold compress to your cheek. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums; it can cause burns. Call us for an evaluation as soon as possible.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical in this scenario. If your tooth is knocked out:

• Pick it up by the crown, not the root.
• Gently rinse it with water (do not scrub).
• Try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, place it in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation kit.
• See a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
  

3. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

Whether it’s a small chip or a major fracture, a broken tooth requires urgent attention. Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces if you can, and bring them with you to your appointment.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

If a filling or crown falls out, it can leave your tooth exposed and sensitive. Until you can get to the dentist:

• Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect the area.
• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
  

5. Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, gums, tongue, or cheeks may bleed heavily. Rinse your mouth gently with salt water and apply pressure with a clean gauze or cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 10–15 minutes, go to an emergency room or call your dentist immediately.

Immediate Steps to Take During a Dental Emergency

In the middle of a dental emergency, your actions matter. Here’s what you can do to stay safe and protect your oral health:

• Stay Calm: Panicking can make things worse. Breathe deeply and take swift, controlled action.
• Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm salt water to clean the area and reduce the risk of infection.
• Control Bleeding: Apply gauze with firm pressure to stop bleeding from the gums, lips, or tongue.
• Cold Compress: Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain, especially with trauma or a toothache.
• Pain Management: Take over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (never aspirin for children) and follow package instructions carefully.

Why Choose Tiger Family Dental for Emergency Dental Care?

Same-Day Appointments

We set aside time each day specifically for dental emergencies. If you call in the morning, we do our best to see you the same day.

Experienced, Friendly Team

Our team is trained to respond quickly and compassionately, and Dr. Ehlers has years of experience treating everything from severe tooth pain to oral injuries with expert precision.

Advanced Technology

We use digital imaging, intraoral cameras, and other modern technology to diagnose problems fast and start treatment right away.

Personalized Follow-Up Care

After your emergency has been addressed, we’ll work with you to ensure long-term oral health. Whether it’s a root canal, crown, or follow-up cleaning, we’ve got you covered.

When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead

In some cases, you may need to visit your local emergency room:

• Severe facial trauma or jaw fractures
• Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop
• Swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing

For most other dental-related emergencies, Tiger Family Dental is your best first call.

Don’t Wait, Call Tiger Family Dental Today

Emergencies don’t follow a schedule, but we do our best to always be ready for them. Whether you’ve cracked a tooth, lost a crown, or can’t sleep due to dental pain, don’t delay care. The sooner you act, the better the outcome.

Call us immediately at Tiger Family Dental if you’re experiencing a dental emergency. We’re here to provide relief, restoration, and reassurance, fast.

 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions