A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it. A tooth can break while you’re eating, a child can injure a tooth during sports, or severe tooth pain can suddenly make it obvious that something isn’t right.
Knowing what to do during a dental emergency can help you stay calm, protect your teeth and get the appropriate care as quickly as possible.
At Shorewood Family Dental Care, we understand that dental emergencies can be painful and frightening. If you aren’t sure whether you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our Shorewood dental office at 815-725-5991. Our team can help you determine what to do next and whether you need immediate dental care.
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, but some symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. Types of dental emergencies can include:
- A knocked-out permanent tooth.
- A cracked or broken tooth.
- Severe or persistent tooth pain.
- Facial or gum swelling.
- A dental abscess or signs of infection.
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth.
- A loose filling or crown.
- Dental trauma involving the teeth, gums or jaw.
When you’re handling a dental emergency, the right response depends on what happened. Some situations require seeing a dentist as quickly as possible, while others may be temporarily managed at home until you can receive professional care.
Here are some common dental emergencies and what you can do.
What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If you can find the tooth, pick it up carefully by the crown, which is the portion normally visible in the mouth. Avoid touching the root.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing or removing attached tissue. Next, if possible, place the tooth back into its socket and hold it there gently. If you cannot replace it, keep the tooth moist. A container of milk can be used while you’re on your way to the dentist.
Then contact a dentist immediately. The sooner a knocked-out permanent tooth receives professional attention, the better the opportunity may be to save it.
Important: Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth. If your child loses a tooth because of an injury, contact the dentist for instructions.
What to Do for a Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth
A tooth can crack or break because of a fall, sports injury, accident, biting something hard or even weakened dental work.
If you have a cracked or broken tooth, rinse your mouth gently with water. If there is bleeding, clean gauze can be used to apply gentle pressure. A cold compress applied to the outside of the face may also help with swelling.
If part of the tooth has broken off, save the piece if you can and bring it with you to the dentist.
Don’t assume a damaged tooth is fine simply because it doesn’t hurt. A crack or fracture can expose deeper portions of the tooth and may worsen without treatment.
What to Do for Severe Tooth Pain
A toothache can have many possible causes, ranging from something caught between the teeth to decay, damage or infection.
Start by gently rinsing your mouth and flossing around the painful tooth. If something is trapped between the teeth, carefully removing it may relieve the discomfort.
An over-the-counter pain reliever may provide temporary relief when taken according to its directions. Do not place aspirin directly against your tooth or gums. Aspirin can irritate and damage oral tissues.
Persistent, severe or worsening pain should be evaluated by a dentist rather than repeatedly managed with pain medication.
What to Do for Dental Swelling or a Possible Abscess
Swelling of the gums, jaw or face can be a sign of a dental infection. Other possible warning signs include:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain.
- A persistent bad taste in your mouth.
- A bump or swelling on the gums.
- Pain when biting or chewing.
- Fever.
- Facial swelling.
A dental abscess requires professional treatment. It isn’t something you should try to drain or treat yourself at home.
Call your dentist promptly if you suspect an infection.
Seek emergency medical care for severe or rapidly spreading swelling, especially if it affects your ability to breathe or swallow or is accompanied by other serious symptoms.
What to Do If a Crown or Filling Comes Loose
Losing a filling or having a crown come loose isn’t something you should ignore. If you have a loose crown, save it if it comes completely off and contact your dentist. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until the tooth has been evaluated.
Temporary dental cement may sometimes help protect a tooth until you can see your dentist, but it isn’t a substitute for professional treatment.
Never use household glue to reattach a crown or other dental restoration.
What to Do for an Injury to Your Lips, Tongue or Gums
Accidentally biting your lip or tongue usually doesn’t require emergency dental treatment, but injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth can sometimes bleed heavily.
Gently rinse the area and use clean gauze to apply pressure. A cold compress on the outside of the mouth may help reduce swelling. If bleeding is heavy or won’t stop after sustained pressure, seek prompt medical attention.
Put Together a Dental First Aid Kit
Being prepared can make handling a dental emergency less stressful. You probably already have a first-aid kit at home, in your vehicle or at work. Consider adding a few dental-specific supplies or creating a separate tooth repair kit.
Useful items can include:
Disposable Gloves
Gloves provide a protective barrier when you’re helping someone who is bleeding.
Sterile Gauze
Gauze can be used to apply pressure to bleeding areas or temporarily protect damaged oral tissues.
Dental Wax
Dental wax can temporarily cover a sharp area on a damaged tooth or an irritating orthodontic wire until professional care is available.
Temporary Dental Cement
Temporary dental cement may be useful for a loose crown or other restorations until you can reach your dentist. Follow the product instructions and remember that temporary cement isn’t a permanent repair.
Cold Pack
An instant cold pack can be helpful after dental or facial trauma and may temporarily reduce swelling and discomfort.
Dental Floss
Sometimes tooth pain is caused or aggravated by food trapped between the teeth. Floss can help gently remove trapped debris.
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
An appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever may temporarily help manage discomfort when used according to its label directions.
Again, never place aspirin directly against your gums or tooth.
When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?
Call your dentist when you experience symptoms such as:
- A knocked-out permanent tooth.
- A cracked or broken tooth.
- Severe or persistent tooth pain.
- Significant swelling.
- Signs of a dental infection.
- Trauma involving your teeth or jaw.
- Bleeding that is difficult to control.
- A damaged restoration that leaves your tooth painful or vulnerable.
When you’re unsure whether something qualifies as an emergency, call rather than guess. Describing your symptoms to the dental office can help determine how urgently you should be evaluated.
Some situations extend beyond a dental emergency. Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention for potentially life-threatening symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or rapidly spreading swelling.
Can Dental Emergencies Be Prevented?
Not every dental emergency is preventable. Accidents happen.
However, good oral health can reduce the likelihood that an untreated dental problem suddenly becomes urgent.
Brush your teeth twice daily, clean between your teeth every day and maintain regular dental cleanings and exams. If you participate in contact sports or other activities that put your teeth at risk, wearing an appropriate mouthguard can also help protect your smile.
Most importantly, don’t ignore a dental problem because it isn’t severe yet. Treating decay, damaged restorations and other problems earlier may prevent them from progressing into painful dental emergencies.
Need an Emergency Dentist Near Shorewood or Joliet?
When a dental emergency happens, knowing who to call can make an already stressful situation easier.
Shorewood Family Dental Care provides emergency dental care for patients in Shorewood and surrounding communities, including Joliet. If you have severe tooth pain, a damaged tooth, swelling or another urgent dental concern, call us and explain what happened.
Call Shorewood Family Dental Care at 815-725-5991 for help with a dental emergency.
You can also learn more about our emergency dental care services and what to expect when you need urgent treatment.
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Originally published May 18, 2021. Updated August 13, 2026.
