What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies are stressful. This guide tells you exactly what to do for the most common situations while you wait for your appointment — and when to head straight to the ER.
Open Mon–Fri 7am–6pm • 5590 W Chandler Blvd #1, Chandler, AZ
Common Dental Emergencies — What to Do
Severe Toothache
Call Us Same DayWhat to do right now:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Floss gently around the tooth to remove any trapped food
- Take over-the-counter pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed
- Do NOT place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum — it can cause burns
- Call us immediately — tooth pain rarely resolves on its own and usually signals infection or decay
If you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to the ER immediately — this may be a spreading infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Call Us Within 30 MinutesWhat to do right now:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface) — never touch the root
- If dirty, rinse gently with water — do NOT scrub or use soap
- Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it there gently
- If you can't reinsert it, place it in a cup of milk or between your cheek and gum
- Call us immediately — time is critical. A tooth has the best chance of survival within 30–60 minutes
Speed is everything with knocked-out teeth. The sooner you call, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
Call Us Same DayWhat to do right now:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling
- If there's bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze
- Save any broken tooth fragments in a container of milk
- Avoid chewing on that side until you're seen
- Call us — we can often repair broken teeth same day
A cracked tooth can worsen quickly. Even if it doesn't hurt yet, call us to prevent further damage.
Lost Filling or Crown
Call Us Within 24–48 HoursWhat to do right now:
- Save the crown if you can find it
- Clean the crown gently and try to place it back on the tooth temporarily
- Dental cement or denture adhesive (from a pharmacy) can temporarily hold a crown in place
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Do NOT use super glue on a crown
- Call us to have it properly re-cemented
An exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and cracking. Don't wait too long.
Dental Abscess
Call Us ImmediatelyWhat to do right now:
- Rinse with warm salt water several times a day to help draw out the infection
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Do NOT try to pop or lance the abscess yourself
- Call us immediately — an abscess is a serious infection that requires professional treatment
A dental abscess can spread to your jaw, neck, or head if untreated. If you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty breathing/swallowing, go to the ER immediately.
Soft Tissue Injury (Lip, Tongue, Cheek)
Assess Severity FirstWhat to do right now:
- Rinse the area gently with warm water
- Apply pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of pressure, go to the ER
- Call us to assess whether dental treatment is needed
Minor cuts often heal on their own. Significant bleeding, deep lacerations, or injuries that affect teeth require immediate care.
When to Go to the Emergency Room Instead
Most dental emergencies can be handled by our office during regular hours. However, go to the nearest ER immediately if you experience:
- Facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- High fever (over 101°F) with dental pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop after 15 minutes of pressure
- Jaw appears dislocated or won't close
- Suspected broken jaw from trauma
After the ER stabilizes you, call our office to schedule follow-up dental care. We'll coordinate with any ER treatment you received.
Prepare Before an Emergency Happens
The best time to find an emergency dentist is before you need one. Save our number now.
Know Our Hours
We see emergency patients same day, Monday through Friday, 7am to 6pm.
Become a Patient
Existing patients get priority scheduling. Start with our $149 new patient special.
Dental Emergency in Chandler?
Don't wait in pain. Call or text Anantuni Family Dental — we see emergency patients same day, Monday through Friday.
5590 W Chandler Blvd #1, Chandler, AZ 85226 • Mon–Fri 7am–6pm
