Dental emergencies are unpredictable by nature—a fall during a weekend hike, a collision during sports, or even biting down on something unexpectedly hard like a popcorn kernel. When a tooth becomes chipped, cracked, or completely knocked out, knowing what to do in the first few minutes may make the difference between saving and losing the tooth.
3 Steps to Take during a Tooth Injury
1. Control Bleeding and Reduce Swelling
Our mouths can bleed profusely due to the rich blood supply in soft tissue. Try to remain calm. Apply gentle pressure using a clean piece of gauze or a tea bag for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the cheek or lip near the injured tooth in 10-minute intervals.
2. Preserve the Tooth or Broken Pieces
If a tooth is knocked out completely, don’t touch the roots. Handle it by the crown only. If dirty, gently rinse, but don’t scrub or disturb any attached tissue. Try gently placing the tooth back in its socket. If you can’t, place the tooth in milk or your saliva or hold it in your mouth between your cheek and gum. A knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved if reimplanted within an hour, but don’t hesitate to see your dentist if it’s been longer.
For broken pieces of a chipped or cracked tooth, collect and rinse them, then bring them with you to your appointment. Even if your injury seems minor, cracked or broken teeth can sustain further damage without proper treatment.
3. Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Don't wait to see if the issue resolves itself—it won't. Call our emergency dentist in Temple, TX, at (254) 206-3200 right away. At Lakewood Dental Trails, we prioritize dental emergencies and do everything to see patients with tooth trauma as quickly as possible. We're here to help restore your smile and relieve your pain with compassionate, prompt attention.