Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Acting correctly in the first minutes may improve the chance of saving the tooth. The following is general information; you should see a dentist as soon as possible.
A tooth knocked out completely
- Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root.
- If dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline; do not scrub.
- If possible, try to place it back, or keep it in milk.
- See a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within the first hour.
A broken or cracked tooth
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.
- You can apply a cold pack to the outside of the face for swelling.
- Keep the broken piece and take it to the dentist.
Sudden, severe toothache
- Rinse with lukewarm water and clean between the teeth with floss.
- Use painkillers as directed on the leaflet; do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum.
- If there is facial swelling, fever or difficulty swallowing, seek care without delay.
Injury to lip, tongue or cheek
Wash the wound with clean water and press with a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop, go to an emergency department.
Prevention
Wearing a mouthguard during sports helps reduce the risk of injury.
In an emergency you can call our clinic. See also the "Emergency" page in our patient guide.
The information on this page is for general purposes only; an examination is required for diagnosis and treatment. Treatment plans are determined by the dentist according to each patient's condition.