Dental Emergency? Here's What to Do Right Now
If you have severe tooth pain, a broken tooth or a knocked-out tooth, call a dentist as soon as you can. In the meantime, the steps below can protect the tooth and ease the pain. If you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Toothache
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Gently floss to clear out any food that might be stuck.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label.
- Hold a cold compress against your cheek for swelling.
- Don't put aspirin directly on your gums, since it can burn the tissue.
A toothache that doesn't go away can mean an infection, so give us a call rather than waiting it out.
Broken or chipped tooth
- Rinse with warm water.
- Save any pieces you can find.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to keep swelling down.
- If the edge is sharp, cover it with a bit of sugar-free gum or dental wax.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters here.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water. Don't scrub it.
- If you can, place it back in the socket and bite down softly on a clean cloth.
- If not, keep it in a cup of milk.
- Call us right away.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the crown if you can and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side. A pharmacy temporary dental cement can hold a crown in place until you're seen.
Bleeding after an extraction
Bite down on clean gauze for 20 to 30 minutes without checking it. If bleeding still won't slow down, call us.
Signs it's more serious
Swelling in your face or jaw, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent medical attention. Go to the ER or call 911.
When can we see you?
We keep room in the schedule for emergencies on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will do our best to fit you in the same day. We're at 55 E Tallahassee Dr in Corona de Tucson and see patients from Vail, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Summit and Drexel Heights.
Call (520) 762-0123 as early as you can. If it's Tuesday or Thursday, send a request through our form and we'll get back to you when we reopen.
We can help with the fix
Depending on what's going on, treatment might mean a filling, crown, root canal or extraction. We'll explain your options before we start, and if you're nervous, nitrous oxide is available.
Frequently asked questions
Do you see emergencies the same day?
We do our best to fit them in on the days we're open.
Do I need to be an existing patient?
No. Call us and we'll help however we can.
Is it a real emergency if it doesn't hurt?
Sometimes. A knocked-out tooth, swelling or a broken tooth needs prompt attention even when pain is mild.
Still have questions?
Ready to book?
Call (520) 762-0123 or request an appointment online. We're open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.