Emergency Dentist in
Lake Highlands
Dallas, TX

The steps you take in the first few minutes of a dental emergency can make a major difference in saving a tooth, reducing pain, and preventing complications.

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For a Knocked-Out Tooth

• Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root

• Gently rinse with water if dirty

• Try to place it back into the socket if possible

• If not, store it in milk or saliva

• Seek immediate dental care

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For a Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

• Rinse with warm water

• Save any broken pieces if possible

• Apply gauze if bleeding

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling

• Avoid chewing on that side

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For Tooth Pain

• Rinse with warm salt water

• Floss gently to remove trapped debris

• If safe for you, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen

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For Swelling

Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face for 15–20 minutes at a time.

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For Bleeding

Use clean gauze and apply gentle pressure.

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What Not to Do

• Don’t ignore severe pain or swelling

• Don’t use sharp objects to poke around the tooth

• Don’t place aspirin directly on gums

• Don’t wait if a permanent tooth has been knocked out