Dental Emergency? Here's What to Do (And What NOT to Do)

Dental emergencies are stressful, painful, and never happen at a convenient time. But knowing what to do in those critical first moments can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here's your guide to handling common dental emergencies — and when to call Dr. Gill at Downtown Dental Studio.

Knocked-Out Tooth

DO: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), never the root. Rinse gently with water — don't scrub. Try to place it back in the socket. If that's not possible, keep it in a cup of milk or between your cheek and gums. Call us immediately.

DON'T: Touch the root, scrub the tooth, or let it dry out. Time is critical — the best chance of saving the tooth is within 30–60 minutes.

Severe Toothache

DO: Rinse with warm salt water. Floss gently to remove any trapped food. Take over-the-counter pain relievers. Call us for an appointment.

DON'T: Place aspirin directly on the gums (it can cause chemical burns). Ignore the pain — it's your body's way of telling you something is wrong.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

DO: Rinse with warm water. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces. Call us immediately.

DON'T: Chew on that side. Wait — cracks can worsen and extend below the gumline, turning a fixable problem into an extraction.

Lost Filling or Crown

DO: Keep the crown if you have it — we may be able to re-cement it. Use dental cement (available at pharmacies) to temporarily cover the exposed tooth. Call us to schedule a repair.

DON'T: Use super glue or household adhesives. Chew on the affected side.

Abscess or Facial Swelling

DO: Call us immediately. This is a serious infection that can spread. Rinse with mild salt water. Go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

DON'T: Wait. A dental abscess will not heal on its own and can become life-threatening if left untreated.

We're Here for You — Same Day

Dr. Gill reserves time in the daily schedule for dental emergencies in Fallbrook. Call (442) 317-7000 and we'll get you in as quickly as possible — often the same day. Don't suffer in pain.