What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Greensboro Dentist's Guide

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A cracked tooth at dinner, a sports injury at the park or a toothache that keeps you up at night can be stressful — especially if you're not sure whether it can wait. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can ease your pain and, in some cases, save your tooth.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

As a general rule, you should call a dentist right away if you have:

• Severe or throbbing tooth pain that doesn't go away
• A tooth that has been knocked out or pushed out of place
• A cracked, chipped or broken tooth, especially with pain or sharp edges
• Swelling in your gums, face or jaw
• A pimple-like bump on your gums, which can be a sign of infection
• Bleeding that doesn't stop after applying pressure
• A lost filling or crown that leaves the tooth sensitive or painful

Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have facial swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, a high fever with dental swelling, or a serious injury to your face or jaw.

Knocked-Out Tooth: Act Fast

A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved if it's treated quickly — ideally within an hour.

• Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing part), not the root.
• If it's dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water. Don't scrub it or wrap it in tissue.
• If you can, gently place it back in the socket and bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• If that isn't possible, keep the tooth in a small container of milk and call us right away.

For a knocked-out baby tooth, don't try to put it back in. Call us so we can check for any damage to the gums or the adult tooth underneath.

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently floss to remove anything stuck between your teeth. A cold compress on the outside of your cheek can help with swelling. Never place aspirin directly on your gums, as it can burn the tissue. Persistent tooth pain often means decay has reached the nerve or an infection is developing, so it's important to be seen — the problem won't go away on its own.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Save any pieces you can find and rinse your mouth with warm water. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and cover sharp edges with sugar-free gum or dental wax until your visit. Depending on the size of the break, we may repair the tooth with bonding, a filling or a crown.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a crown comes off, keep it in a safe place and bring it with you — we may be able to recement it. Over-the-counter temporary dental cement can protect the tooth for a short time, but avoid chewing on that side until it's repaired.

Swelling or a Gum Bump

Swelling and gum bumps are often signs of an abscess, which is a bacterial infection. Abscesses need professional treatment, often root canal therapy or, if the tooth can't be saved, an extraction. Don't try to pop or drain it yourself.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and activities like skateboarding.
• Don't chew ice, hard candy or popcorn kernels, and don't use your teeth to open packages.
• Keep up with regular checkups so small cavities and cracks are treated before they become painful.
• Ask us about a night guard if you grind or clench your teeth.

Need Emergency Dental Care in Greensboro?

If you're in pain, call All Smiles Family Dental at (336) 378-9953. We make every effort to see dental emergencies as quickly as possible and get you comfortable again. Learn more about our emergency dentistry services.

This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for a dental exam or professional advice.