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.