A dental emergency can be scary. One minute you’re enjoying your day, and the next you’re holding a knocked-out tooth or dealing with sudden, throbbing pain. When these moments happen, it’s easy to panic. But knowing what to do in those first critical minutes can make all the difference, sometimes even saving your tooth.
Here’s a practical guide for handling common dental emergencies before you get to our Woodstock office.
Knocked-Out Tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive emergencies. If you act quickly, there’s a small chance we can save the tooth.
What to do immediately:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root
- If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue
- Try to place it back in the socket and gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place
- If you can’t reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk, saline solution, or your own saliva
- Get to our office within 30 minutes if possible
What NOT to do:
- Don’t touch the root
- Don’t use soap or chemicals to clean it
- Don’t let the tooth dry out
Severe Toothache
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. A severe toothache could mean a deep cavity, an infection, or even an abscess.
What to do immediately:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed
- Call our office to schedule an emergency visit
What NOT to do:
- Don’t apply aspirin directly to the tooth or gums; it can burn the tissue
- Don’t ignore the pain, hoping it will go away on its own
Chipped or Broken Tooth
Teeth can chip from biting hard objects, sports injuries, or even untreated decay that weakens the structure.
What to do immediately:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- If there’s bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze
- Apply a cold compress to your face to minimize swelling
- Save any broken pieces if possible
- Call us right away
What NOT to do:
- Don’t chew on that side of your mouth
- Don’t eat anything hard or crunchy
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth sensitive and vulnerable to further damage.
What to do immediately:
- Save the crown or filling if you can find it
- If it’s a crown, try to slip it back over the tooth with a small amount of toothpaste or dental cement (available at drugstores)
- Use a piece of sugar-free gum or dental wax to cover the exposed area temporarily
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Call our office to have it properly recemented or replaced
What NOT to do:
- Don’t use super glue or any adhesive not intended for dental use
- Don’t delay getting it fixed; the tooth can shift or decay further
When to Call Us
Any dental emergency deserves professional attention. If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s always better to call and ask. Our team can help you determine the best course of action.
Signs you should call immediately:
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Severe pain that doesn’t subside
- Swelling in your face or jaw
- A loose or knocked-out tooth
- Any injury to your mouth or jaw
How We Can Help
When you arrive at our Woodstock office, Dr. Mazzella will quickly assess the situation, take digital X-rays if needed, and provide the appropriate treatment. His advanced training and state-of-the-art technology allow him to handle emergencies efficiently and comfortably.
If you’re a current patient, you know we treat you like family. That means we take your emergencies seriously and do everything we can to see you promptly.
Be Prepared
Keep our office number stored in your phone: (410) 559-9951 for new patients or (410) 203-2552 for current patients. In any dental emergency, having that number handy can save precious minutes.
And remember: when in doubt, call us first. We’re here to help, especially when things don’t go as planned.