It’s never convenient. It’s never expected. But dental emergencies happen. And when they do, those first few minutes matter. Maybe you bit down on something hard and felt a crack. Maybe you knocked a tooth out during a game. Or maybe you woke up with throbbing pain that won’t quit. Whatever the situation, knowing what to do before you reach our office can make a real difference in saving your tooth.
At Infinity Dental, we’re here to help. Dr. Thomas Prendergast and our team want you to feel prepared, not panicked. So here’s a plain-English guide to handling the most common dental emergencies.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked out, you have about 30 minutes to an hour to save it.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root.
- If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Don’t scrub it. Don’t dry it off.
- If you can, place it back in the socket and gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk or your own saliva and call us immediately.
- Do not put the tooth in water. That can damage the root cells and make it harder to save.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
A broken tooth isn’t always painful, but it needs attention.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Save any tooth fragments and bring them with you.
- If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.
- A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling.
Call us as soon as you can. We’ll get you in quickly. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Severe Toothache
A toothache that keeps you up at night isn’t something to ignore. It often means something is wrong beneath the surface: maybe an infection, a chipped tooth, or deep decay.
- For temporary relief, rinse with warm salt water.
- Floss gently around the tooth in case something is lodged there.
- You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you’re able. A cold compress can ease swelling. But don’t put aspirin directly on your gums. That can burn the tissue.
Then call us. A toothache rarely goes away on its own.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling falls out or a dental crown comes loose, don’t panic. This usually isn’t a medical emergency, but it does need prompt attention.
Keep the crown if you still have it. You can use a small piece of drugstore dental cement, or even a bit of sugar-free gum, to hold it in place temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side. Call us to schedule a visit so we can properly reattach or replace it.
Swelling Around Your Face or Jaw
Take this one most seriously. Swelling that spreads to your face, jaw, or neck can signal a serious infection. It can become dangerous if left untreated.
Call us right away. If the swelling is severe, affects your breathing or swallowing, or comes with a fever, go to the emergency room. Don’t wait.
When in Doubt, Call Us at Infinity Dental
If something feels wrong with your teeth or gums, don’t wait and hope it gets better. Dental problems rarely fix themselves, and small issues can quickly become big ones.
At Infinity Dental, we’re here for you. Dr. Prendergast and our team are ready to help when the unexpected happens. If you’re ever unsure whether something counts as an emergency, call us at (847) 447-6637 or request an appointment online. We’d rather answer a quick question than have you suffer through the night.
Your smile is worth protecting. We’re here when you need us.