Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You See the Dentist

When a dental emergency strikes, it can feel stressful and overwhelming. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, sudden pain, or a knocked-out tooth, knowing how to handle the situation before you reach the dentist can make all the difference. At Stonebrook Family Dental in Aurora, CO, we want you to feel prepared and confident in protecting your smile until professional care is available.

Common Dental Emergencies

Here are some of the most common dental emergencies our patients face:

• Toothaches – Severe or sudden pain in one or more teeth.

• Chipped or Broken Teeth – Often caused by accidents, sports, or biting something hard.

• Knocked-Out Tooth – A serious emergency that requires quick action.

• Lost Filling or Crown – Exposed tooth structure can be very sensitive.

• Abscesses or Swelling – Often signs of an infection that needs prompt treatment.

What to Do Before You See the Dentist

1. For Toothaches

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

• Use dental floss gently to remove anything stuck between your teeth.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed (but never place aspirin directly on your gums or tooth).

• Apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

2. For a Chipped or Broken Tooth

• Save any broken pieces if you can.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.

• Apply gauze if there’s bleeding.

• Use a cold compress to minimize swelling.

3. For a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown (the top), not the root.

• Gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty—do not scrub.

• Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible.

• If not, keep it moist in milk or in a container with your saliva.

• See your dentist immediately—time is critical for saving the tooth.

4. For a Lost Filling or Crown

• Save the crown if possible.

• Cover the exposed tooth with dental cement (found at most drugstores) to protect it.

• Avoid chewing on that side until you see your dentist.

5. For Abscesses or Swelling

• Rinse with warm salt water several times a day.

• Do not try to pop or drain the abscess yourself.

• Seek dental care as soon as possible, as infections can spread quickly.

When to Seek Emergency Care Immediately

If you experience severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a knocked-out tooth, contact your dentist right away. In some cases, it may be necessary to go to the emergency room.

Stonebrook Family Dental: Here for Your Dental Emergencies

At Stonebrook Family Dental in Aurora, CO, we understand that dental emergencies can’t wait. That’s why we offer prompt emergency appointments to get you out of pain and back to smiling as quickly as possible.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us right away at (303) 872-7907.