How to Calmly Handle a Dental Emergency

A white tooth model floats next to a red and white first aid kit to indicate a dental emergency

A dental emergency can feel incredibly stressful, especially since they usually happen unexpectedly. Some dental emergencies result from an untreated dental issue, such as tooth decay or a cracked tooth. Failure to wear a proper protective oral appliance for teeth grinding or when playing a contact sport can also result in a dental emergency. But sometimes a dental emergency happens no matter how well you take care of your smile!


Common Dental Emergencies

  • Toothache
  • Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
  • Broken dentures
  • Lost filling or crown
  • Knocked-out tooth
  • Lip laceration

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Whether your tooth was knocked out or you can no longer eat due to severe tooth pain, there are certain steps you can take to get the situation under control. First, do your best to remain calm.

Immediately call an emergency dentist near you. By contacting a professional, like our dedicated team at Summit Family Dentistry, you will have a better chance of saving your tooth, preserving your oral health, and mitigating pain. When you call us, we’ll walk you through how to handle the dental emergency until you can see us.

For example, if there is oral bleeding, use gentle pressure and a clean gauze to stop it. Gently handle any tooth fragments or a knocked-out tooth with clean hands. You can rinse them with water or milk, but do not rub with a cloth. Keep moist in milk or saliva. Swelling can be managed with cold compresses. Tooth pain can sometimes be temporarily alleviated with over-the-counter pain relievers and a saltwater rinse.


Call Our Emergency Dentist in Littleton, CO

You don’t need to handle a dental emergency alone. Our experienced team is here for you! Please call us as soon as possible if you experience a dental emergency. And even if you aren’t sure whether you need emergency dental care, call us anyway to explain your situation! We want to help.

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Summit Family Dentistry

Summit Family Dentistry