What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Step-by-Step Guide

Knocked-Out Tooth (Act Within 30 Minutes!)

A knocked-out permanent tooth can often be replanted if you act fast:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part) — never touch the root
2. Rinse gently with milk or saline (not water)
3. Try to place it back in the socket and bite down on a clean cloth
4. If you can't reinsert it, store in milk (not water)
5. Get to our office within 30 minutes — call (360) 943-9480

Severe Toothache

A toothache that doesn't respond to over-the-counter pain relief usually signals infection or deep decay.

Immediate steps:

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Take ibuprofen (not aspirin, which can increase bleeding)
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
• Do not put aspirin directly on the gum — it causes chemical burns

Broken or Chipped Tooth

• Save any pieces you can find
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply gauze to any bleeding for 10 minutes
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum

Lost Filling or Crown

• For a lost filling: apply dental cement or sugar-free gum as a temporary cover
• For a lost crown: try to slip it back on with denture adhesive or toothpaste
• Do not use super glue

When Is It a True Emergency?

Go to the ER if: Uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, or suspected jaw fracture.

Call us for: Knocked-out teeth, severe pain, broken teeth, infections, or lost restorations. We reserve time daily for emergency patients at our Tumwater, WA office.