Common Dental Emergencies – What to Do Before You Reach the Clinic

Dr. Vanishree
Aug 16
3 min read

Emergencies never come with a warning — and dental ones are no exception.

Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a chipped tooth from a weekend cricket match, knowing how to handle dental emergencies can make a huge difference in your outcome. At Dental Sanctuary, Indiranagar, we believe informed patients recover better — and faster. Here’s your quick guide to the most common dental emergencies and what you should do before you reach the clinic.

1. Sudden Toothache or Dental Pain

Possible causes: Tooth decay, pulp infection, gum issues, or trauma.

What to do:

Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Use dental floss to remove any trapped food.
Apply a cold compress (not heat) to the area for swelling.
Avoid taking aspirin directly on gums — it may cause tissue burns.
Take a painkiller only if necessary.

When to visit: Immediately if pain persists or worsens — it could be a sign of an underlying infection needing root canal treatment.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

What to do:

Pick the tooth by the crown (not the root).
Gently rinse it with milk or saline (not water).
Try placing it back in its socket or store it in milk or under your tongue.
Get to the dental clinic within 30–60 minutes — timing is critical for saving the tooth.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Causes: Accidental fall, trauma, biting something hard.

What to do:

Save any broken fragments.
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress for swelling.
Cover any jagged edge with sugarless gum or orthodontic wax to prevent tongue/lip injuries.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Temporary fix:

Use dental cement (available at pharmacies) to seal the hole.
If the crown is intact, try to place it back using dental cement or toothpaste.
Avoid chewing from that side.

Why visit soon: Exposed teeth can quickly become sensitive or infected.

5. Soft Tissue Injury (Lips, Gums, Cheeks, Tongue)

What to do:

Rinse gently with salt water.
Apply pressure using gauze or a clean cloth to stop bleeding.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

Seek care immediately if bleeding doesn't stop in 10 minutes.

6. Object Stuck Between Teeth

What to do:

Use dental floss gently.
Never use pins, toothpicks, or sharp objects.
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritation.

7. Jaw Pain or Locked Jaw

May be related to TMJ disorders or trauma.

Apply a cold compress and avoid opening the mouth wide. See a dentist at the earliest.

When Is It a True Emergency?

Seek immediate care if you have:

Uncontrolled bleeding
Facial swelling
High fever and tooth pain (infection risk)
Severe trauma or knocked-out tooth
Broken braces or wires poking inside cheeks

Why Choose Dental Sanctuary for Dental Emergencies?

Same-day appointments for emergencies
In-house digital X-rays & diagnostics
Experienced team led by specialists
Pain management protocols to ease discomfort
Conveniently located in Indiranagar, Bangalore

When in pain, you need care that’s fast, skilled, and compassionate. At Dental Sanctuary, we’re equipped to handle all kinds of emergencies — from knocked-out teeth to facial swelling — with minimal wait time and maximum relief.

FAQs

Q1. What should I do if I chip my tooth at night?

Try to cover any sharp edges with wax or sugarless gum and avoid using that side. Visit your dentist the next morning.

Q2. Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Yes, but only if you reach the clinic within 30–60 minutes. Keep it moist and handle it carefully.

Q3. What qualifies as a dental emergency?

Severe pain, swelling, trauma, knocked-out teeth, or uncontrolled bleeding are urgent emergencies.

Q4. Is facial swelling always an emergency?

Yes, it can indicate a spreading infection and must be addressed urgently.

Q5. What if I lose a crown or filling while traveling?

Keep the dislodged crown with you safely, avoid eating from that side of the mouth and book an appointment as soon as you’re back.

Conclusion

Dental emergencies can be stressful, but staying calm and knowing the right first-aid steps can make a real difference in saving your tooth and avoiding complications.

At Dental Sanctuary in Indiranagar, Bangalore, our expert team is always prepared to handle urgent cases with prompt care, compassion, and advanced technology. Whether it’s a sharp toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or sudden swelling — don’t delay.