Emergency Dental Care: When to Call the Dentist

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, whether it is a cracked tooth at dinner or a sports injury the week before school starts. Knowing what counts as an emergency and what to do in the first hour can save a tooth and a lot of pain.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Call us right away for:

• A knocked out permanent tooth
• Severe tooth pain that does not let up
• Swelling in the face or gums, or signs of infection like fever or a bad taste
• A broken or cracked tooth, especially with pain
• Bleeding that will not stop
• A lost filling or crown that leaves the tooth painful or sharp

If you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, or a serious injury to the face or jaw, go to the emergency room or call 911.

What to Do Right Away

Knocked out tooth

Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Gently rinse it without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite on gauze. If not, keep it in milk or tucked in your cheek, and call us immediately. The best chance of saving it is within the first hour.

Toothache

Rinse with warm salt water, gently floss to remove anything stuck, and take an over the counter pain reliever as directed. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum.

Broken or cracked tooth

Rinse your mouth, save any pieces and use a cold compress for swelling. Cover sharp edges with sugarless gum or dental wax.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown if you have it. Dental cement from a pharmacy can protect the tooth temporarily. Avoid chewing on that side.

Kids and Sports

Playground falls and sports injuries are common causes of dental emergencies in children. Keep our number handy, pack a small kit with gauze and a container, and have kids wear a mouthguard for contact sports. A back to school checkup is a good time to catch problems before they turn into emergencies.

How We Handle Emergency Visits

Call first so we can get you in as soon as possible. Same day appointments are often available. We will relieve your pain, find the cause and explain your options before any treatment.

Why You Should Not Wait

A small crack or infection can quickly become a bigger problem. Getting care early often means simpler, less expensive treatment and a better chance of saving the tooth.

Cost and Insurance

Many dental plans cover emergency exams and X rays. We will review costs with you before treatment so there are no surprises.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

• Keep regular checkups so weak teeth and old fillings are found early.
• Wear a mouthguard for sports and a night guard if you grind your teeth.
• Do not chew ice, hard candy or pens, or use your teeth to open packages.

Learn more about emergency dentistry.

We have offices in Belterra, Crystal Falls (Leander), Georgetown, San Gabriel and Springfield, IL. To schedule, find your nearest Renken Dentistry location. Early and late appointments are available for busy work and school schedules.