A dental emergency can happen at any moment: a fall on the playground, a hard bite on a popcorn kernel, or a toothache that will not go away. Knowing what to do in the first hour can save a tooth. This guide explains what to do in a dental emergency and when to call us in Temple, TX.

Is it a dental emergency?

Call a dentist the same day if you have:

  • A tooth that has been knocked out or pushed out of place
  • Severe tooth pain, or pain with swelling in your face or gums
  • A broken or cracked tooth
  • A lost filling or crown
  • A cut to the lips, tongue or cheek that keeps bleeding
If you have swelling that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, or a serious injury to the face or head, go to the emergency room or call 911 first.

What to do in the first hour

Knocked-out tooth

  1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part). Do not touch the root.
  2. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water. Do not scrub it.
  3. If you can, place it back in the socket and bite gently on a clean cloth.
  4. If not, keep it in a cup of milk and call us right away. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved within about an hour.

Broken or chipped tooth

Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces, and hold a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling. Call us to arrange a visit.

Severe toothache

Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove anything trapped between teeth. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. Pain that keeps you awake, or comes with swelling or fever, can be a sign of infection and should be checked quickly.

Lost filling or crown

Keep the crown if you have it, and avoid chewing on that side. Do not use household glue. We can usually re-cement or replace it in a single visit.

Same-day emergency dentist in Temple, TX

Care Dental Spa offers same-day emergency appointments for patients across Central Texas, including Belton, Killeen, Harker Heights and Fort Cavazos. If you are in pain, call us at 254-773-0055 and we will do our best to see you the same day.

Read more about our emergency dental care.