What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen suddenly, often catching us off guard and causing considerable stress and discomfort. Knowing how to recognize and respond to these emergencies is crucial in minimizing pain and preventing further complications. At our practice, we prioritize helping you understand which situations are considered dental emergencies and how you can effectively manage them until you can get professional help.

First, it’s important to understand what qualifies as a dental emergency. These can range from severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, and loose crowns or fillings, to more serious conditions such as abscesses or swelling that can affect overall health if not addressed promptly. Awareness of these issues helps in recognizing the difference between a true emergency and a standard dental issue that can be scheduled for regular treatment.

The next step is knowing how to act immediately after encountering a dental emergency. Quick and appropriate actions can often save a tooth and significantly reduce the risk of infection or long-term damage. We provide some straightforward guidelines on what to do in the immediate aftermath of an emergency, ensuring you are prepared to handle these situations confidently and effectively. This initial response can be crucial in safeguarding your dental health while you make your way to our clinic for specialized care.

Identifying a Dental Emergency: What Counts?

Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can save your teeth and prevent further harm. It’s essential to know which situations require immediate attention and which ones can wait until a scheduled appointment. A dental emergency typically involves severe pain, bleeding, or trauma. Examples include a knocked-out tooth, a loose permanent tooth, unbearable toothache pain that doesn’t subside with over-the-counter painkillers, or signs of infection such as swelling, extreme sensitivity, or foul taste in the mouth. It's not just about discomfort—some conditions, like abscesses, can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. We encourage our patients to err on the side of caution and reach out to us if they are unsure whether their situation is an emergency.

Steps to Take Immediately After a Dental Injury

When you face a dental emergency, quick action can often save your tooth. Here are immediate steps to take if you or someone near you suffers a dental injury:

1. For a Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub. Try to reinsert it into the socket. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a container of milk or a saline solution to keep it moist until you can see us.

2. For a Cracked or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area and apply a cold compress outside the face to reduce swelling.

3. If You Bite Your Tongue or Lip: Clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress to decrease swelling.

4. In Case of Severe Pain or Toothache: Clean your mouth by rinsing with warm water and use floss to remove any food that might be trapped between your teeth. If swelling is present, a cold compress can be applied on the outside of your cheek.

By understanding what to do right after an injury, you can improve the chances of a favorable outcome before reaching our office. Remember, for all dental emergencies, it’s crucial to see us as quickly as possible. We’re here to help restore your smile and alleviate the pain.

When to Visit Us: Understanding Urgency

Determining the right time to visit us during a dental emergency can be critical to the outcome of your treatment. If you experience severe pain that doesn’t fade, signs of infection like swelling or knots on your gums, or you have sustained an injury that affects your teeth or gums, it’s crucial to contact us immediately. We prioritize these urgent needs to prevent any complications, such as the spread of infection or permanent damage. Additionally, if a tooth has been knocked out or significantly damaged, time is of the essence to potentially save the tooth and ensure the best possible repair. Always remember, when in doubt, reach out to us as quickly as possible for guidance and to arrange an emergency visit if necessary.

Preventing Common Dental Emergencies: Tips and Advice


While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk or minimize damage before getting professional help. Maintain good oral hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash to keep infections at bay. Wearing a mouthguard during sports can protect your teeth from trauma and injury. Avoid chewing on hard foods, ice, or objects that could crack or break your teeth. Lastly, don’t neglect regular dental check-ups; these not only help keep your teeth and gums healthy but also allow us to spot and treat minor issues before they develop into emergencies.

In conclusion, understanding how to handle a dental emergency effectively and knowing when to seek professional help can significantly impact your oral health recovery. At our practice, we are committed to providing prompt and efficient care to address your urgent dental needs. From treating infections to repairing injuries, our goal is to ensure your comfort and restore your smile with as little disruption to your daily life as possible.

Are you facing a sudden dental issue or just in need of expert advice on how to manage potential dental emergencies? Schedule a visit with us at Beam Dental today. Our dedicated emergency dentists in Broken Arrow are ready to provide you with quality care and guide you toward the best solutions for maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile.