Top 5 Mistakes People Make in a Dental Emergency (and What to Do Instead)

Man experiencing tooth pain at home, representing a dental emergency treated by Plaza Dental Parker with same-day urgent care in Parker, CO

Common Dental Emergencies & How to Handle Them

Man experiencing tooth pain at home, representing a dental emergency treated by Plaza Dental Parker with same-day urgent care in Parker, CO

Dental emergencies can be scary, stressful, and painful—but how you respond in those first few moments can make a big difference in the outcome. At Plaza Dental Parker, we see patients every week who experience everything from knocked-out teeth to severe infections. And while many handle the situation well, we’ve also seen some common missteps that can lead to more pain, more damage, or even the loss of a tooth that could’ve been saved.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top five mistakes people make in a dental emergency—and what you should do instead to protect your teeth and oral health.

1. Waiting Too Long to Seek Help

One of the most frequent mistakes people make during a dental emergency is delaying treatment. Whether it’s because they hope the pain will go away on its own, or they’re unsure if it “counts” as an emergency, waiting can often lead to bigger problems.

A mild toothache could turn into a serious infection. A cracked tooth might become a broken one. And a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved only within the first hour.

What to do instead:

If you’re experiencing significant pain, bleeding, swelling, or trauma to your mouth, don’t wait it out. Call a dentist that offers same-day emergency care, like Plaza Dental Parker. We’re here to help you schedule now and relieve pain quickly and safely.

2. Going to the Emergency Room Instead of a Dentist

While the ER is the right place for many medical emergencies, it’s often not equipped to handle dental-specific issues. Hospitals typically don’t have dentists on staff and can only offer temporary relief—like pain medication or antibiotics.

This can delay proper dental treatment, leaving the root cause of the problem unaddressed.

What to do instead:

If your emergency is oral in nature—like a cracked, infected, or knocked-out tooth—call an emergency dentist first. At Plaza Dental Parker, we prioritize same-day appointments for urgent issues and will guide you if the ER is more appropriate for your situation.

3. Using Home Remedies That Can Do More Harm Than Good

A quick online search for “toothache remedies” can lead you down a dangerous path. We’ve seen patients who tried everything from applying aspirin directly to their gums (which can cause burns) to using glue to reattach crowns or fillings.

These DIY fixes can make matters worse, introducing infection or damaging tissue.

What to do instead:

Temporary pain relief is okay—over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can help—but don’t try to fix the issue yourself. If a crown or filling comes loose, keep it in a safe container and contact us right away to schedule a repair.

4. Mishandling a Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth gets knocked out, every second counts. Unfortunately, some patients make critical mistakes—like scrubbing the tooth clean, handling it by the root, or letting it dry out. These actions can reduce the chances of successful reimplantation.

What to do instead:

  • Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
  • Rinse it gently with water—no soap or scrubbing.
  • Try to place it back into the socket if possible, or keep it in a container of milk or saliva.
  • Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

If this happens to you or someone you love, schedule now or call us immediately.

5. Ignoring “Minor” Symptoms That Could Signal a Serious Issue

Not every dental emergency comes with a dramatic event like a knocked-out tooth. In fact, many start with subtle symptoms: a dull ache, bleeding gums, or a tooth that’s just a little sensitive. It’s easy to brush off these signs until they become unbearable.

But in many cases, that “minor” symptom is your body’s early warning system.

What to do instead:

If something doesn’t feel right in your mouth, don’t ignore it. Dental problems often worsen over time, and early intervention can save you time, money, and discomfort. Whether it’s a sharp twinge or a cracked filling, reach out to us to contact us and we’ll help determine if you need to be seen right away.

Stay Prepared—And Know Who to Call

Dental emergencies don’t always happen during convenient hours, and they never happen by choice. But knowing how to respond—and having a trusted dentist on call—can make all the difference.

At Plaza Dental Parker, we offer compassionate, same-day emergency care in a calm, judgment-free environment. Whether you’re dealing with a toothache, chipped tooth, swelling, or anything in between, our skilled team is ready to help.

Don’t wait—schedule now or contact us for expert emergency dental care in Parker, CO.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Close-up of a boy's mouth with chipped teeth, highlighting the importance of emergency dental care provided by Plaza Dental Parker in Parker, CO, to restore smiles and oral health

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.