A dental emergency is stressful. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can be the difference between saving a tooth and losing it — or between managing a situation calmly and making it worse. This guide covers the most common dental emergencies and exactly what to do while you’re getting to the dentist.
First: Call Your Dentist
For almost every dental emergency, the first step is the same: call your dentist. Black Dog Dental Studio offers same-day emergency appointments for urgent situations. Even if you’re not sure whether what you’re experiencing qualifies as an emergency, call — we can help you triage the situation over the phone and tell you how quickly you need to be seen.
Call us at (704) 703-3393.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a time-sensitive emergency. The tooth can potentially be re-implanted, but the window is short — ideally within 30 minutes to an hour.
What to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white top), not the root
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with water — do not scrub it
- If possible, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place
- If you can’t re-insert it, store it in a cup of cold milk or hold it between your cheek and gum to keep it moist
- Call us immediately and head to the office — do not delay
Do not wrap the tooth in a dry tissue or paper towel. Keeping it moist is critical. If the tooth cannot be saved, dental implants or a dental bridge are the most common replacement options — Dr. Koneru can walk you through both.
Severe Toothache
A toothache that is severe, throbbing, or accompanied by swelling is not something to wait out. It usually signals an infection or significant decay that needs professional attention.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water
- Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the label — ibuprofen tends to work better for dental pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties
- Do not place aspirin directly against the tooth or gum — this can cause a chemical burn
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling
- Call us and schedule an emergency appointment as soon as possible
If the pain is coming from deep inside a tooth, you may need a root canal to remove the infected tissue. If the tooth can’t be saved, a tooth extraction may be necessary. Dr. Koneru will assess which option is right for your situation.
If you develop facial swelling that is spreading, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a fever alongside the toothache, go to the emergency room immediately.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Whether or not a cracked tooth is an emergency depends on the severity. A small chip with no pain can usually wait for a regular appointment. A large break, a visible crack extending toward the gumline, or a broken tooth exposing the inner nerve needs same-day attention.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face if there is swelling
- If there is a sharp edge irritating your tongue or cheek, dental wax (available at pharmacies) can provide temporary relief
- Save any large pieces of the broken tooth if you can
- Call us to assess whether you need to come in the same day
Depending on the extent of the damage, treatment may involve a dental crown, a filling, or in more serious cases, a root canal followed by a crown.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown is uncomfortable and leaves the tooth vulnerable, but it is usually not a true emergency unless you’re in significant pain.
What to do:
- For a lost crown: try to place it back over the tooth using a small amount of dental cement or toothpaste as a temporary adhesive — do not use super glue
- For a lost filling: temporary dental cement (available at pharmacies) can protect the exposed area
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
- Call us to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to prevent further damage
Dental Abscess (Swelling or Pimple on the Gum)
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection at the root of a tooth or in the gum tissue. Signs include visible swelling, a pimple-like bump on the gum, throbbing pain, and sometimes a bad taste from the abscess draining.
What to do:
- Call us immediately — a dental abscess needs professional treatment
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day to reduce discomfort
- Take ibuprofen to help manage pain and inflammation
- Do not try to pop or drain the abscess yourself
Left untreated, a dental abscess can spread. If you notice spreading facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to the emergency room.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, not an ER — hospitals aren’t equipped to perform dental procedures. But there are situations where the ER should be your first stop:
- Swelling that is spreading to your jaw, neck, or floor of your mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Fever alongside dental pain or swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding following a dental injury that doesn’t slow after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure
- A dental injury following a head injury or trauma
In these situations, call 911 or go directly to the nearest emergency room.
Same-Day Emergency Care at Black Dog Dental Studio
Dr. Koneru and the team at Black Dog Dental Studio provide same-day emergency dental care for patients from Mount Holly, Charlotte, Mountain Island, Paw Creek, and the surrounding Northwest Charlotte area. If you’re in pain or dealing with a dental emergency, don’t wait.
Call (704) 703-3393 now — we’ll get you in.
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