The first thing you should do after a dental emergency is call your dentist and try to see them right away. However, there are steps you can take while waiting to see your dentist:

Avulsed tooth

• Pick up your tooth by the crown and rinse it under warm water. Don’t touch the root.

• If possible, place it back into its socket.
• If you can’t place your tooth in your mouth, store it in a cup of milk, saliva, or water as a last resort. It’s important to keep the tooth from drying out.

Lost filling or crown

• Apply clove oil to the tooth to alleviate pain.
• Clean the crown and affix it to the tooth with dental cement. This can be purchased at the local pharmacy.
• If the crown is lost, smear the top of the tooth with dental cement to alleviate discomfort.
• Don’t use any kind of glue to affix the crown.

Cracked or broken tooth

• Rinse the tooth fragment and the mouth with lukewarm water.
• Apply gauze to the area for ten minutes if there is bleeding.
• Place a cold, damp dish towel on the cheek to minimize swelling and pain.
• Cover the affected area with over-the-counter dental cement if there is no way to see the dentist immediately.
• Take a topical pain reliever.

Accidents that harm your teeth happen, whether it’s from a fall, playing sports, or sustaining a fracture by grinding or biting on hard objects. Fillings, crowns, and other restorative devices can be damaged or fall out of your mouth completely.

These types of accidents can cause you severe pain. In most cases, it’s critical to make an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. Dental emergencies almost always get worse without treatment, and they can seriously jeopardize your physical health. Getting urgent care attention in the event of a dental emergency can increase your chances of saving your affected tooth, or teeth.