Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring a Cracked or Chipped Tooth

Published On: April 3, 2025 | Categories: General Dentistry

Dental emergencies happen when we least expect them – whether it’s a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury from an accident. But, knowing how to respond makes all the difference in preventing further damage and relieving pain.

Here at Rock Dental in White Rock, BC, we provide emergency dental care and a full range of dental services to help you and your family maintain the best oral health. Even still, if you experience a dental emergency, here’s what you need to know and how to handle the situation before you see a dentist.

Severe Toothache

A persistent or intense toothache can result from cavities, infections, gum disease, or even a cracked tooth. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what to do:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food.
  • Avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can cause irritation.
  • Give us a call or book online for an urgent evaluation.

Our oral exams can help diagnose the cause of your toothache and provide the right treatment.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Biting down on something hard, falling, or an accident can cause a tooth to chip or break. In these scenarios, here’s what to do next:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
  • If there’s bleeding, apply gauze and gentle pressure.
  • Take an over-the-counter pain medication.
  • Avoid extremes in temperature, as they may cause further pain.
  • Save any broken tooth fragments and bring them to your dental visit.
  • Avoid eating hard foods until you receive treatment.

Some of your treatment options may include dental bonding, crowns, or veneers depending on the severity of the break.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

As we know, a knocked-out tooth can happen due to sports injuries, falls, or accidents. This is a very specific scenario that requires a little extra care. Should a tooth ever fall out:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
  • Gently rinse it with water – do NOT scrub or remove any attached tissue.
  • If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket.
  • If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a container of milk or saliva.
  • Give us a call or book online – this increases the chances of saving the tooth!

For added reassurance, our dental implants are a great option if your natural tooth cannot be restored.

Lost or Damaged Dental Filling or Crown

Fillings and crowns can loosen or fall out due to wear, decay, or biting into hard foods. This one isn’t as perilous as a knocked-out tooth. So, here’s what to do next:

  • If a crown falls out, try to place it back onto your tooth using a denture adhesive like Fixodent.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side until you see your dentist.

Our restorative dental services include replacements for fillings and crowns that can restore your smile.

Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries (Bleeding Gums, Cuts, or Lacerations)

Accidental bites, sports injuries, or brushing too aggressively can cause gum injuries or bleeding. If this happens:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
  • Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
  • If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, try a black tea bag instead of gauze; the caffeine will help to stop the bleeding.
  • If the bleeding still doesn’t stop, call us for an emergency dental appointment.

Our gum treatments at Rock Dental can help prevent infections and promote healing.

Objects Stuck Between Teeth

Hard foods, popcorn shells, or small debris can get lodged between teeth, causing pain, at worst, and irritation, at best. Here’s how to handle it:

  • Use dental floss to gently remove the object—never use sharp tools like pins or toothpicks.
  • Rinse with warm water to dislodge any particles.
  • If you can’t remove the object, visit Rock Dental for safe removal.

Be sure to engage in regular dental cleanings and check-ups to help prevent food buildup over time and irritation.

How Rock Dental Can Help in a Dental Emergency

Here at Rock Dental in White Rock, BC, we offer emergency dental care to address urgent issues. Whether you need pain relief, a tooth replacement, or orthodontic care, we have state-of-the-art technology and a welcoming team ready to help.

And, should you ever find yourself experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait – call us right away!