What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?

Act fast — time is the most critical factor. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse it gently with water — do not scrub or use soap. Try to place it back in the socket and bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold it. If you can't reinsert it, keep it moist in a container of milk or between your cheek and gum. Call our office immediately. Reimplantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes.

Can a dental infection be life-threatening?

Yes, in rare cases. A dental abscess that is left untreated can spread to the jaw, neck, or airway — a condition called Ludwig's angina — which can be life-threatening. If you have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a fever along with tooth pain, seek emergency care immediately.

Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

The ER can treat pain and infection with medications, but most hospitals are not equipped to perform dental procedures. For true dental emergencies, calling your dentist first is almost always the better option — we can see you the same day and actually treat the problem. Go to the ER if you have facial swelling affecting your airway, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding.

What if my dental emergency happens after hours?

Call our office — we have an after-hours line for dental emergencies. We will do our best to get you seen as quickly as possible. If you cannot reach us and your situation is severe, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care center.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Many dental emergencies are preventable. Wear a mouthguard during contact sports, avoid chewing on ice or hard objects, keep up with regular dental exams to catch problems early, and address tooth pain promptly rather than waiting for it to worsen.

Will my insurance cover emergency dental treatment?

Most dental insurance plans include some coverage for emergency exams and treatment. Coverage varies by plan. Call our office and we can help verify your benefits before or during your visit.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency? | Dental Learning Center

Quick Answer

Illustration showing common dental emergency conditions

A dental emergency is any situation involving severe pain, infection, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or damage that cannot wait for a routine appointment. If you're unsure whether your situation is an emergency, the safest approach is to call your dentist — most offices can advise you over the phone and get you seen quickly when it matters.

What You'll Learn

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True emergencies

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Urgent (not emergency)

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What to do at home

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When to call us

True Dental Emergencies (Call Immediately)

These situations require same-day or urgent care. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

Knocked-out tooth (avulsed tooth)

Time is critical. If an adult tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to reinsert it into the socket or keep it in milk. Call us immediately — reimplantation is most successful within 30–60 minutes.

Severe, unrelenting tooth pain

Pain that is throbbing, constant, or spreading to your jaw, ear, or neck may indicate an abscess or serious infection. Do not wait.

Dental abscess or facial swelling

A swollen jaw, cheek, or gum — especially with fever — is a sign of infection that can spread rapidly. Seek care the same day.

Broken tooth with sharp edges or exposed nerve

A fracture that exposes the inner tooth (dentin or pulp) causes intense pain and needs immediate attention.

Uncontrolled bleeding

Bleeding that does not stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure following a tooth extraction or injury needs to be evaluated.

Lost crown or filling with severe pain

If the exposed tooth is causing significant pain or sensitivity, it needs same-day attention.

Partially dislodged (extruded) tooth

A tooth that has been pushed out of position needs to be repositioned as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing any of the above, call our office immediately. We do our best to see emergency patients the same day.

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Urgent Dental Issues (Should Be Seen Within 24–48 Hours)

These are not life-threatening emergencies but should not wait for a routine appointment:

A lost filling or crown with mild sensitivity (no severe pain)

A broken tooth with no pain or exposed nerve

Mild to moderate tooth pain that is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers

A broken wire or bracket on braces causing irritation

Food or debris lodged between teeth causing discomfort

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What to Do While You Wait

While you arrange to be seen, these first-aid steps can help manage your situation:

1
For a knocked-out tooth:
Keep it moist (in milk, saline, or between your cheek and gum). Do not scrub the root. Call us immediately.
2
For severe pain:
Take ibuprofen (if not contraindicated) and avoid hot or cold foods. Do not place aspirin directly on the gum — it can cause a chemical burn.
3
For swelling:
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek in 20-minute intervals. Do not apply heat.
4
For a lost crown:
If you still have the crown, you can temporarily re-cement it with dental cement from a pharmacy. Avoid chewing on that side.
5
For bleeding:
Apply firm, steady pressure with a clean gauze or cloth for 10–15 minutes without lifting to check. If bleeding continues, call us or go to urgent care.