Common Dental Emergencies & What to Do
Know how to respond when dental emergencies happen
Be Prepared for Dental Emergencies
Knowing how to respond in a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here's how to handle the most common dental emergencies while you arrange to see us.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical. A tooth can often be saved if reimplanted within 30-60 minutes.
What to Do:
- Find the tooth – Handle only by the crown (white part), never the root
- Rinse gently – If dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline (not tap water)
- Try to reinsert – If possible, place tooth back in socket and bite down gently on gauze
- Keep it moist – If you can't reinsert, store in milk, saline, or between cheek and gum
- Call immediately – Time matters!
Don't:
- Scrub or clean the root
- Let the tooth dry out
- Wrap in tissue or cloth
- Wait to call us
Severe Toothache
Intense tooth pain often signals infection, abscess, or advanced decay.
What to Do:
- Rinse with warm salt water – 1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water
- Floss gently – Remove any trapped food
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever – Ibuprofen works well
- Apply cold compress – On cheek, 20 minutes on/off
- Call us – Especially if pain is severe or you have swelling/fever
Don't:
- Put aspirin directly on gum (causes burns)
- Ignore fever or swelling (signs of infection)
- Wait and hope it goes away
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Fractures range from minor chips to serious breaks exposing the nerve.
What to Do:
- Rinse mouth – Warm water to clean the area
- Save any pieces – Bring them to your appointment
- Apply gauze – If bleeding, apply pressure for 10 minutes
- Cold compress – Reduce swelling
- Cover sharp edges – Dental wax or sugar-free gum
- Call us – Same-day for significant breaks
Don't:
- Chew on that side
- Eat hard or crunchy foods
- Ignore pain (may indicate nerve exposure)
Lost Filling or Crown
Exposes your tooth to bacteria, sensitivity, and further damage.
What to Do:
- Save the crown – Keep it in a clean container if it fell out intact
- Clean gently – Remove any debris from tooth and crown
- Protect the tooth – Avoid eating on that side
- Call us – To schedule same-day repair
After-hours? Call our emergency line: (613) 523-4185
Don't:
- Attempt to reattach the crown yourself
- Use superglue or household adhesives
- Chew hard foods on exposed tooth
Dental Abscess
A serious infection that can spread. Signs include severe pain, swelling, fever, and a bad taste.
What to Do:
- Call immediately – Abscesses need prompt treatment
- Rinse with salt water – May help draw infection to surface
- Take pain relievers – As directed
- Don't apply heat – Can worsen swelling
Seek ER if:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Fever over 101°F
- Swelling affecting eye or neck
- Unable to open mouth
Don't:
- Ignore it – Infection can spread
- Try to drain it yourself
- Delay treatment
Partially Dislodged (Extruded) Tooth
Tooth is loosened and pushed out of position but still attached.
What to Do:
- Don't remove it – Leave in place
- Apply cold compress – To reduce swelling
- Take pain reliever – As needed
- Avoid chewing – On that tooth
- Call immediately – We may be able to stabilize it
Soft Tissue Injuries
Cuts or tears to lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums.
What to Do:
- Rinse gently – With salt water
- Apply pressure – Clean gauze for 15-20 minutes
- Cold compress – To reduce swelling
- Call us – If bleeding doesn't stop or wound is large
Seek ER if:
- Bleeding won't stop after 20 minutes of pressure
- Deep laceration needing stitches
- Injury involves face/jaw bones
Object Stuck Between Teeth
Food or debris lodged and won't come out.
What to Do:
- Try floss first – Gently work around the object
- Rinse vigorously – May dislodge it
- Don't use sharp objects – No pins, needles, or picks
- Call us – If you can't remove it
Don't:
- Force it with sharp instruments
- Keep poking and irritating the area
When Minutes Matter
Understanding the urgency of different dental emergencies:
| Emergency | Time Sensitivity |
|---|---|
| Knocked-out tooth | 30-60 minutes ideal |
| Severe abscess with swelling | Same day |
| Broken tooth with pain | Same day |
| Heavy bleeding | Immediate |
| Lost filling/crown | Within 24-48 hours |
Emergency? Call Now
We offer same-day emergency appointments at all locations. Don't suffer in pain—call us now.
During Office Hours:
Centrepointe: (613) 224-8600 · Holland Cross: (613) 728-1511 · McCarthy: (613) 526-9876
After-Hours Emergency Line: (613) 523-4185
Get Emergency Care Now
When you're in pain or a tooth is at risk, don't wait. Contact us immediately for same-day emergency care.
Call: (613) 728-1511
Address: 20 – 1620 Scott Street, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4S7
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