How to Deal With a Dental Emergency at Home

Your dentist can treat dental emergencies.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the first step is to contact your dentist. Your dentist will be able to assess your situation and decide on a treatment plan.

If you’re unable to get to the dentist right away (within the hour), there are a few things you can do at home in the meantime. Here is some advice about what to do about common dental emergencies.

How To Manage Common Dental Emergencies

The following are some common dental emergencies we often see at Alinea Dental, and how you can address them at home to reduce discomfort until you can get to our office.

Damaged Tooth

Is your tooth chipped or broken? Your dentist may be able to attach the missing piece. If possible, try to locate it and bring it to your dental appointment. If you are unable to locate it, your dentist will likely be able to replace it with a restoration such as a crown or filling.

Severe Toothache

Severe pain in your teeth can cause severe discomfort; you may feel a throbbing or sharp pain. This could be caused by an infection in the root of your tooth, among other things.

Until you see the dentist, you can try some home remedies for an aching tooth, such as applying an ice pack to the affected area. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever may also help to reduce pain. If the tooth is severely infected, your dentist may need to perform a root canal.

Knocked Out Tooth

If you have experienced a knocked-out tooth, it's important to follow these steps. First, try to locate the tooth and rinse it off with water, avoiding the use of soap or harsh chemicals to prevent damage.

Then, carefully place the tooth back into its socket by biting down gently but firmly. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth, keep it moist by holding it in your mouth next to your cheek or placing it in a glass of milk or saliva until you can see your dentist.

If the tooth cannot be found, your dentist can discuss tooth replacement options like a dental implant or crown.

Damaged Crown or Filling

If you have lost or damaged a filling or crown, there are a few steps you can take. First, if you can find the missing filling or crown, rinse it off with water before attempting to place it back onto your tooth. If you are unable to reattach it, be sure to bring it with you to your emergency dental appointment. Your dentist will be able to assess the situation and provide the appropriate treatment.

If you cannot locate your crown or filling, your dentist will likely be able to provide a replacement.