EmergenciesKnocked-out adult tooth: minutes matter
Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root. If dirty, rinse gently for a few seconds with milk or saline — do not scrub. Ideally place it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze; if you can't, keep it in milk or tucked in your cheek. A tooth replanted within 30 to 60 minutes has a real chance of surviving. Never replant a baby tooth — call us instead.
Broken or chipped tooth
Save any pieces, rinse with warm water, and use a cold compress for swelling. Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or drugstore dental wax. Even painless breaks should be seen promptly — exposed dentin decays fast.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water, floss gently to rule out something wedged, and use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed. Never place aspirin on the gum — it burns tissue. A toothache that wakes you at night or throbs steadily usually means the nerve is involved; waiting only narrows your options.
Swelling, abscess, or fever
A pimple-like bump on the gum, facial swelling, or a bad taste signals infection. This is the one dental problem that can become dangerous. Call us the same day — and if you have fever with swelling spreading to your eye or neck, or any trouble swallowing or breathing, go to the emergency room first.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the crown; drugstore temporary cement can hold it for a day or two. Avoid chewing on that side and see us within a few days so the tooth underneath doesn't shift or decay.