Dental Emergency: What to Do Before You Reach a Dentist

Take ten seconds and check the person, not just the tooth

Dental injuries can look dramatic. Mouths bleed easily, and it is natural to focus on the missing tooth or broken crown. Before you do, check the bigger picture.

Call 9-1-1 or seek emergency medical care for trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling of the face or neck, a serious head or facial injury, loss of consciousness, or bleeding that will not stop. Those situations need medical attention first.

If the person is stable and the problem is confined to the teeth or mouth, call a dental clinic. Tell them what happened, what time it happened, and what you can see. For a child, say whether the injured tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent one.

If a permanent tooth has been knocked out

Move quickly, but handle the tooth carefully. The best chance of replanting it comes when a dentist can act soon—HealthLink BC notes that results are best within about 30 minutes.

1. Pick up the tooth by the white crown. Avoid touching the root.
2. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with tap water. Do not scrub it or use soap, alcohol, or mouthwash.
3. If the person is alert and able to cooperate, the tooth can be placed gently back into its socket in the correct direction. Never force it.
4. If reinserting it is not practical or safe, place the tooth in a small container of milk so it does not dry out.
5. Call a dentist immediately and bring the tooth with you.

Do not put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket. It could injure the permanent tooth developing underneath. The child still needs prompt assessment because neighbouring teeth and bone may also have been injured.

For a chipped or broken tooth

Rinse the mouth gently and look for the missing piece. If you find it, keep it in a clean container and take it to the appointment. A cold pack wrapped in cloth can help with swelling on the outside of the face.

Do not chew on the injured side or keep “testing” the tooth. If an edge is cutting the tongue or cheek, orthodontic wax can provide short-term protection. A deep break may expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth even when the damage looks small in the mirror, so arrange an assessment rather than waiting for pain.

Our guide to chipped teeth covers possible repairs in more detail.

If the mouth is bleeding

Place clean gauze over the area and hold steady pressure. Try not to lift it every few seconds to check; disturbing the area can restart bleeding.

Heavy bleeding, bleeding after significant trauma, or bleeding that does not slow with firm pressure needs urgent medical attention. Let the clinician know about blood thinners or a bleeding disorder.

Swelling, fever, or a bad taste

These can be signs of infection, particularly when they occur with tooth pain or a tender bump on the gum. Call a dental clinic promptly.

Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum—it can burn the tissue. Leftover antibiotics are not a safe shortcut either. They may be the wrong medication and, in many dental infections, they do not remove the source of the problem.

Swelling that is spreading quickly, moving toward the eye or neck, or interfering with breathing or swallowing is no longer a routine dental problem. Seek emergency medical care.

Lost fillings, loose crowns, and sharp wires

Save any piece that has come loose and avoid hard or sticky foods on that side. Orthodontic wax may help cover a wire that is rubbing the cheek. Household glue does not belong on a tooth, crown, denture, or appliance.

While you are arranging care

A wrapped cold pack can be used on the outside of the face for short periods. Avoid heat when swelling is present. If you are considering non-prescription pain relief, follow the label and check with a pharmacist when there is pregnancy, a medical condition, another medication, or a child involved.

Even if the pain settles, keep the appointment. A cracked tooth or infection can become quiet temporarily without actually healing.

When you phone the clinic, lead with four facts: what happened, when it happened, whether the tooth is baby or permanent, and whether there is any problem with breathing, swallowing, bleeding, or consciousness. That is the fastest way to help the team understand what you need.