What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any issue that needs immediate care to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, save a tooth, or treat a serious infection. These situations can result from injuries, accidents, or deep cavities. In some cases, infections may even become life-threatening.
Do I Need Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency dentistry can be crucial for saving a natural tooth, preventing the spread of infection, and avoiding more invasive and expensive treatments. For instance, if a tooth is knocked out, there’s often a small window of time where it can be successfully reinserted—helping you avoid the need for implants or other major procedures.
You may need emergency dental care if you experience:
- Severe pain that interferes with eating or sleeping
- A knocked-out tooth
- Broken or loose braces
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- A lost filling or crown
- An abscess or pimple on the gums
If you’re dealing with any of the above, don’t wait—prompt treatment can make all the difference. Reach out to an emergency dentist in Las Vegas right away.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can be stressful—but staying calm and acting quickly can make a big difference. Follow these first aid steps, and contact a dentist as soon as possible.
Toothache
Apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. You may take acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or ibuprofen (e.g., Advil), but avoid aspirin—it can thin your blood and complicate treatment. Always follow medication instructions and note the dosage and time taken.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root. If clean, try placing it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in warm milk. Do not scrub the tooth. Time is critical—teeth have the best chance of being saved within one hour.
Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and collect any broken pieces. If bleeding, apply sterile gauze. Use a cold compress to ease swelling and contact a dentist right away to prevent further damage.
Abscess
Rinse with a saltwater solution (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) several times a day to ease pain. Abscesses are infections and can spread if left untreated. They require prompt professional care.
Lost Filling
Temporarily cover the area with orthodontic wax (available at drugstores) to protect the tooth. This is a short-term fix—see a dentist as soon as possible for a permanent solution.
Jaw Injury
Avoid solid foods and apply a cold compress. If you suspect a broken jaw, seek emergency dental care immediately.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most important step is to call us right away. We’ll guide you through first aid over the phone to help relieve pain, protect your tooth, and get you into the office as soon as possible.
Follow your doctor’s advice and the instructions on the medication label. If it’s safe for you, over-the-counter options like Tylenol or Advil may help ease discomfort. Avoid aspirin if you may need surgery, as it can thin the blood. Keep track of what you take, how much, and when—and let us know during your visit. Remember, lasting relief usually requires professional treatment.
You can, especially if you’re in severe pain or have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing. However, most ERs can only provide temporary relief and will refer you to a dentist for follow-up care.
An untreated broken tooth can trap bacteria, leading to infection or an abscess. It can also damage the nerve, increasing the chances of needing a root canal later.
If an infection isn’t treated, it can spread to the jaw, face, and even into the bloodstream—potentially causing sepsis, a serious, life-threatening condition. Don’t ignore dental infections—early care is essential.
Robin Lobato
D.D.S.
Your Dental Emergencies D.D.S.
What our clients have to say
- Video testimonials
- Google reviews
I feel fantastic
They Teat Me Like A King
Second to None
