Must-Know First Aid for a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can strike suddenly, and knowing what to do in those critical first moments can help save a tooth and prevent serious damage. Whether it’s a fall, damaged restoration, or sudden pain, being prepared makes a huge difference.

Our team understands how overwhelming these moments can be. That’s why we want to help you feel confident and ready to act when the unexpected happens. If you need urgent dental care in Santa Rosa, we’re here for you. Here are a few tips for how to handle a dental emergency until you can see a dentist. 

Basic First Aid for Dental Emergencies

In any dental emergency, time matters. Staying calm and knowing what steps to take can prevent pain and protect your teeth. While it’s a great idea to keep a first aid kit in your home or car, most kits need a few extra items to help you handle a dental emergency. Some helpful items to include are:

• Clean gauze pads
• Dental cement or temporary filling material
• Orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum
• A small container with a secure lid
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen)
• Your dentist’s contact information
  
  

Now, let’s go over what to do in some of the most common dental emergencies.

What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth

Car accidents, sports injuries, and even a simple fall could move a tooth out of its normal position. If a tooth is partially knocked out, try to avoid touching or moving it and get to an emergency dentist near you as quickly as possible.

Here’s what to do if a tooth is completely knocked out:

1. Locate the tooth quickly and hold it only by the crown (the top part you normally see). Avoid touching the root, as this can damage cells needed for reattachment.
2. Rinse the tooth gently under room-temperature water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub or wipe it. Leave any tissue pieces in place.
3. Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket immediately, gently pressing it in place with your fingers or biting down softly on gauze.
4. If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk, saline, or your own saliva. A tooth preservation kit is even better if you have one. In a pinch, you can tuck the tooth into the pocket where your cheek meets your gums and hold it there.
5. Call us right away. Getting to the dentist within 30 minutes offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
   
   

Even if we can’t save your tooth, we’ll stabilize your oral health and set you up for success with tooth replacements like dental implants or bridges later on.

What to Do for a Broken Tooth

Breaking a tooth can be alarming. While not every broken tooth is a dental emergency, it’s important to see a dentist promptly to prevent further damage and restore your tooth.

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean away blood and debris.
2. Apply gauze if there’s bleeding and use steady pressure until it stops.
3. Collect any broken fragments if possible and store them in milk or saline so you can bring them to your appointment.
4. If the tooth has sharp edges, protect your cheeks, lips, or tongue by covering the tooth with orthodontic wax or sugar-free gum.
5. Apply a cold compress to your cheek near the injury to reduce swelling and discomfort if necessary.
6. Contact our office immediately so we can assess the damage and discuss your repair options, such as bonding, crowns, or veneers.

What to Do If You Have a Toothache

Like damaged teeth, not every toothache is an emergency. However, if you have toothache that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications, or if the pain is sudden, severe, or getting worse, you may need to see an emergency dentist near you. Here’s what to do in the meantime.

1. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm salt water to clean the area and ease irritation.
2. Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food or debris that might be causing the pain.
3. Use a cold compress on the cheek or jaw if swelling is present.
4. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed, but never put aspirin directly on your gums because it can burn the tissue.
5. Call us to schedule a visit. Tooth pain can be a sign of infection, decay, or even an abscess that requires treatment. In some cases, we may be able to call in an prescription for antibiotics to help ease your pain until you can be seen.

What to Do If You Lose a Filling or Crown

While dental restorations should last as long as possible, they do have a finite lifespan, which can be shortened by issues like tooth grinding, cavities developing under the restoration, and injuries. In most cases, a lost restoration is not an urgent dental emergency unless coupled with severe pain or trauma to the mouth. If a filling or crown falls out, here’s what to do:

1. Clean the area gently and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
2. Use temporary dental cement (available at most drugstores) to cover the exposed area. This protects the tooth and eases sensitivity.
3. If you still have the crown, rinse it and try placing it back over the tooth using temporary cement or toothpaste as a short-term fix. If it won’t stay in place, put it in a clean container or plastic baggie and bring it with you to your appointment. We may be able to reattach it without needing to make a new one.
4. Do not use household glue. It’s not safe for your mouth and can harm your teeth and gums. It can also make your restoration unsalvageable, increasing your cost for a new crown.
5. Book an appointment as soon as possible so we can restore the tooth with a proper filling or crown.

What to Do If You Injure Your Lips, Gums, or Tongue

From biting yourself while you’re eating to overeager cuddles from your favorite dog, there are many situations that could leave you with a split lip, cut gums, or injured tongue. Injuries to the mouth can bleed heavily, so it’s important to stay calm and assess the damage.

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the wound.
2. Apply clean gauze to the area and press gently to control bleeding.
3. Hold a cold compress against your face to reduce swelling and ease pain.
4. If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes, or the cut is deep, seek medical attention.
5. If you can get the bleeding under control, give us a call to see if stitches or additional care is needed.

When You Should Visit the Emergency Room

While we can treat many dental emergencies, some symptoms call for urgent medical attention. Please go to the ER if you or someone else has:

• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• A head injury with dizziness, nausea, or confusion
• Facial or jaw swelling that spreads or affects vision
• A fever of 101°F or higher
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Rapid heartbeat or swollen lymph nodes
• Severe or unstoppable bleeding
• Trouble speaking clearly or controlling facial muscles
  
  

Our team is available to help in dental emergencies, but some injuries go beyond the scope of dental care. Trauma involving the head, jaw, or neck should always be checked in a hospital setting.

Your Partners for Emergency Dental Care in Santa Rosa

Emergencies can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Our team is here to support you with fast, compassionate care. Once the emergency is handled, we’ll make sure your smile gets the full care it needs to look and feel its best again. Save our number in your phone (707 579 9993), keep your dental first aid kit ready, and know that we’re always here when you need us most.