Dental Emergencies

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

Fast, calm action can save your smile.

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—during a meal, a sports activity, or even while you’re sleeping. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken crown, quick action and professional care can make all the difference in saving your tooth and relieving pain.

At The White Dental Clinic, we offer same-day emergency dental care whenever possible. If you’re in pain or have suffered a dental injury, don’t wait—call us right away. We welcome both current and new patients for emergency treatment.

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Knowing what to do in the first few moments of a dental emergency can prevent further damage and improve the outcome of your treatment. Here's how to handle some of the most common scenarios:

1. Toothache or Dental Pain

A toothache is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong—possibly an infection, decay, or damage.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.

• Gently use dental floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth.

• Apply a cold compress to your cheek to reduce swelling.

• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum).

Call us immediately—tooth pain rarely goes away on its own and often gets worse.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical here. A tooth that has been knocked out can often be reimplanted if treated within 30–60 minutes.

What to do:

• Handle the tooth only by the crown (the white part), not the root.

• If possible, gently place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place.

• If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist—preferably in milk or saliva (under your tongue).

• Get to our office or the nearest emergency dental clinic immediately.

3. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth can cause pain and increase the risk of infection.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.

• Apply a cold compress to the face to minimize swelling.

• If you find a broken piece, wrap it in a moist towel or place it in milk and bring it with you.

• Avoid chewing on that side until you’ve been seen by a dentist.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can expose sensitive areas of your tooth.

What to do:

• You can temporarily protect the tooth by placing a small piece of sugarless chewing gum over the area.

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

• Schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can repair the damage.

5. Loose or Dislodged Tooth

• A loose adult tooth due to trauma is a dental emergency.

• What to do:

• Leave the tooth in place—don’t wiggle it.

• Apply a cold compress if there is swelling.

• Call us right away—we’ll evaluate the damage and work to stabilize the tooth.

6. Broken Jaw or Severe Trauma

Suspect a broken jaw if you experience facial pain, swelling, difficulty moving your jaw, or misaligned teeth.

What to do:

• Apply a cold compress to control swelling.

• Seek immediate medical attention at your nearest emergency room.

7. Bitten Lip, Cheek, or Tongue

Soft tissue injuries in the mouth can bleed heavily and may need stitches.

What to do:

• Rinse your mouth gently with salt water.

• Apply a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.

• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek or lip.

• If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes or is severe, seek emergency medical help.

When in Doubt, Call Us - 91483 86148

It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your teeth. Emergency dental treatment can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, and prompt care can reduce pain, prevent infection, and preserve your oral health.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call The White Dental Clinic immediately. We will do our best to see you the same day and provide the care you need. If your emergency occurs after hours or you're unable to reach us, please go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Dental Emergencies Are Stressful—But You’re Not Alone

At The White Dental Clinic, we’re here to help when you need us most. Our team is experienced in handling all types of dental emergencies with skill, speed, and compassion. Whether you're a regular patient or visiting us for the first time, you can trust that we’ll treat your case as a priority and work quickly to relieve your discomfort and restore your smile.

Save our number now—you never know when you’ll need it.

📞 Emergency Line: 91 91483 86148

📍 Visit us: Opposite 1st Gate, Roy Road, Tilakwadi, Belgaum. Near Lele Ground.