For a dental emergency, call your dentist right away. For a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse gently, and keep it in the socket or in milk until you're seen. For a toothache, rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress. Go to the ER for swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can save a tooth — and a lot of discomfort. Call us at (919) 336-5245; we try to see dental emergencies the same day.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse gently with milk or water — don't scrub.
- Try to place it back in the socket and bite gently on gauze, or keep it in a cup of milk.
- Call immediately. The sooner you're seen, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Severe toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove trapped food.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
- Don't place aspirin directly on the gums — it can burn the tissue.
Chipped or broken tooth
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold compress for swelling. Many chips can be repaired with bonding; larger breaks may need a crown.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it and avoid chewing on that side. Call us to have it re-cemented or replaced.
When to go to the ER instead
Go to the emergency room for facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a jaw injury after an accident.
Frequently asked questions
Do you see emergency patients who aren't current patients?
Yes. Call us and we'll do our best to see you as soon as possible.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling, bleeding that won't stop, or a lost crown are all reasons to call right away.
Emergency Dental Care at Goodall Family Dentistry
Learn about emergency dental careIn pain right now?
Call us first — we do our best to see dental emergencies the same day.
This article is for general education and isn't a substitute for an exam or personal medical advice.
