Skip to content

Common Dental Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Young girl covering her mouth in fear as gloved hands with dental tools approach, representing dental anxiety and the availability of sedation dentistry at Plaza Dental Parker.

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, causing discomfort, stress, and sometimes panic. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency before you can see a dentist can make a significant difference in the outcome. At Plaza Dental Parker in Parker, CO, we’re here to provide fast, effective emergency dental care to help you feel better and protect your oral health. Here’s a guide to some of the most common dental emergencies and what you should do in each situation.

1. Severe Toothache

What to Do:
A toothache can be caused by various issues, such as tooth decay, an abscess, or even food trapped between teeth. If you’re experiencing severe pain:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
  • Use dental floss to gently remove any debris between your teeth.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate discomfort (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as it can cause burns).
  • Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.

When to Seek Help:
If the pain persists or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth, it’s time to call an emergency dentist. These could be signs of a more serious issue, such as an infection or abscess.

2. Chipped or Broken Tooth

What to Do:
A chipped or broken tooth can occur due to trauma, biting on something hard, or decay.

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze until it stops.
  • Save any broken pieces of the tooth, if possible, and store them in milk or saline solution.
  • Apply a cold compress to minimize swelling and pain.

When to Seek Help:
Contact Plaza Dental Parker immediately. Even small chips can lead to further damage or sensitivity if not addressed promptly.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

What to Do:
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, but quick action can increase the chances of saving it:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root to prevent damage.
  • Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but don’t scrub it.
  • Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and hold it in place. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution.

When to Seek Help:
You need to see a dentist immediately—ideally within 30 minutes. Call Plaza Dental Parker right away for urgent care.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

What to Do:
Losing a filling or crown can expose sensitive areas of your tooth, causing discomfort:

  • Clean the area and use dental cement or temporary dental adhesive (available at most drugstores) to cover the exposed area or reattach the crown temporarily.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth.

When to Seek Help:
Schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage or decay to the exposed tooth.

5. Soft Tissue Injury (Gums, Cheeks, or Tongue)

What to Do:
Injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth can result from accidents, biting, or sharp foods:

  • Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
  • Apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth to stop any bleeding.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.

When to Seek Help:
If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of pressure or the injury is severe, contact an emergency dentist or visit the nearest emergency room.

6. Abscess or Swelling

What to Do:
An abscess is a pocket of infection that can form near the root of a tooth or in the gums. This is a serious condition that can spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce pain and draw out pus.
  • Avoid pressing or poking the abscess.

When to Seek Help:
Contact Plaza Dental Parker immediately for evaluation and treatment. An abscess often requires antibiotics and possibly a procedure to drain the infection.

Be Prepared: Dental Emergency Tips

  • Keep a dental emergency kit at home with items like gauze, dental cement, a small container for storing teeth, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
  • Know Plaza Dental Parker’s contact information and have it saved in your phone for quick access.

Schedule Online for Emergency Dental Care

At Plaza Dental Parker, we understand how distressing dental emergencies can be. That’s why we’re here to provide fast, effective care when you need it most. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait—schedule online now or call our office for immediate assistance. Let us help you get back to smiling comfortably and confidently.