Written by Southborough Dental Partners
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone — during sports, at mealtime or seemingly out of nowhere. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a real difference.
Knocked-out tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently without scrubbing. If possible, place it back in its socket and bite on a clean cloth; otherwise keep it in a small container of milk. Call us immediately — the best results happen within an hour.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove anything trapped. A cold compress on the cheek can reduce swelling. Never place aspirin directly on the gums.
Chipped or broken tooth
Save any pieces, rinse your mouth and apply a cold compress. We can often repair chips with bonding or a crown.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you have it. Avoid chewing on that side and call us to have it re-cemented or replaced.
When in doubt, call
If you're unsure whether it's an emergency, give us a call. We'll help you decide on the next step and fit you in as quickly as possible.
