Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—during a meal, while playing sports, or even in your sleep. Knowing how to respond can make a major difference in saving a tooth, preventing infection, or avoiding long-term dental problems.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency involves any situation where immediate treatment is needed to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Common examples include:
- Knocked-out or broken teeth
- Severe toothaches or abscesses
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Gum injuries or excessive bleeding
- Swelling or signs of infection
Immediate Steps You Can Take
Here’s how to handle some of the most common dental emergencies:
Knocked-out tooth:
- Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse it gently and try to place it back in the socket
- If not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to a dentist quickly
Severe toothache:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Floss gently to remove debris
- Avoid aspirin directly on the gums—it can cause burns
- See a dentist as soon as possible
Cracked or broken tooth:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any pieces of the tooth and bring them with you
When to Go to the ER vs. the Dentist
Go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Facial trauma
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling
For all other dental issues, urgent dental care can typically handle the problem more efficiently and cost-effectively.
Be Prepared
Keep an emergency dental kit on hand with:
- Gauze
- A small container with a lid
- Pain relievers (not aspirin)
- Dental wax (for broken braces or wires)
Understanding what qualifies as an emergency—and knowing how to act—can help protect your teeth and health when the unexpected happens.
If you’re located in Arlington, Ashburn, or McLean and need guidance on managing a dental emergency, Dr. Hanna at our office is highly experienced in providing prompt and compassionate urgent care.