Top 5 Dental Emergencies—and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies are more common than you might think—and they often happen at the worst possible time. Whether it's a sudden toothache during the night or a chipped tooth from biting something hard, knowing what to do can prevent pain from getting worse and may even save your tooth.

This blog explores the five most common dental emergencies, what causes them, how to manage them at home, and when to seek urgent care. Whether you’re preparing ahead or actively searching for help, this guide will walk you through each situation step by step—so you can take the right action with confidence.

1. Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies. Sometimes, it’s a dull ache. Other times, it’s sharp and intense.

Why Toothaches Happen:

• Cavities

• Infections (abscesses)

• Gum disease

• Cracked or fractured teeth

• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

What You Can Do:

• Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area.

• Gently floss to remove food debris.

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.

• Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (avoid placing aspirin on the gums).

When to Call Feel Good Dentistry:

If your pain is severe, lingers for more than a day, or is accompanied by swelling or fever, give us a call. You could be experiencing an infection that needs immediate care.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

Time is critical with a knocked-out (avulsed) tooth. The sooner you act, the more likely it is that the tooth can be saved.

How It Happens:

• Sports injuries

• Slips and falls

• Accidents

• Biting hard food

What You Can Do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.

• Gently rinse with milk or saline (don’t scrub).

• If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket.

• If not, place it in a container of milk or your own saliva.

• Visit Feel Good Dentistry within 30–60 minutes.

We recommend always using a custom-fit mouthguard if you play contact sports—it’s one of the best ways to prevent these emergencies.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

A broken tooth might not hurt at first, but it can quickly lead to discomfort or infection if ignored.

Common Causes:

• Biting into ice, bones, or hard candy

• Using teeth to open packaging

• Grinding your teeth at night

• Facial trauma

What You Can Do:

• Save any broken pieces.

• Rinse your mouth with warm water.

• Apply gauze to stop any bleeding.

• Use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges.

• Apply a cold compress for swelling.

When to Contact Us:

Even a minor chip can weaken your tooth’s structure. We’ll evaluate the damage and recommend the best solution, such as bonding, a crown, or veneer.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a filling or crown can leave the tooth sensitive and exposed to further damage.

What to Look For:

• Sharp edges or a hole in the tooth

• Increased sensitivity to temperature or pressure

• Pain when chewing

What You Can Do:

• Save the filling or crown if you can.

• Rinse your mouth gently.

• Apply dental cement (available at pharmacies) to protect the area temporarily.

• Avoid eating on that side.

When to Visit Feel Good Dentistry:

A quick fix now can prevent bigger problems later. We’ll restore the crown or provide a new one if needed—often on the same day.

5. Dental Abscess

An abscess is a serious bacterial infection that can spread quickly if not treated. It typically appears as a swollen, painful bump on your gums.

Symptoms:

• Throbbing pain that radiates to the jaw or ear

• Swelling in the face or cheek

• Fever and fatigue

• Pus or a foul taste in your mouth

• Difficulty swallowing

What You Can Do:

• Rinse with warm salt water.

• Take pain relievers.

• Avoid lying flat—elevate your head to reduce pressure.

• Do not attempt to drain the abscess yourself.

Get Emergency Help Immediately:

Call our team right away or head to the nearest ER if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Abscesses are infections that require urgent attention.

Dental Emergency or ER Visit? Here's How to Decide

Call Feel Good Dentistry If You Experience:

• Sudden or severe tooth pain

• Chipped or knocked-out teeth

• Lost fillings or crowns

• Swollen gums or face (without breathing issues)

Go to the ER If You Experience:

• Facial swelling that limits breathing or swallowing

• High fever with swelling

• Serious trauma (e.g., broken jaw or head injury)

• Uncontrolled bleeding

Emergency Dental Kit Checklist

A dental emergency kit is smart to keep at home or in your car, especially if you have kids.

Include:

• Sterile gauze and gloves

• Dental wax

• Cold compress

• Dental cement (temporary)

• Over-the-counter pain relievers

• Small container with a lid (for a tooth)

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not every emergency is avoidable, many are preventable with smart habits:

• Wear a mouthguard for sports

• Don’t use your teeth to open packaging

• Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels

• Keep up with daily brushing and flossing

• Visit Feel Good Dentistry for regular checkups and cleanings

Final Thoughts

Don’t Wait—Act Quickly During a Dental Emergency

Time matters when you’re in pain or your smile is at risk. Acting fast helps reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and protect your teeth.

At Feel Good Dentistry, we provide same-day appointments and urgent care for dental emergencies in Frisco. Whether you have a broken tooth, swelling, or sudden pain, our team is here to help—with expert care and a gentle touch.

Call us now at (713) 574-8644 or book online to schedule your emergency dental visit.