Dental Emergency Guide: What to Do for a Chipped, Cracked, or Knocked-Out Tooth
For a knocked-out permanent tooth, time matters most: rinse it gently without scrubbing, try to reinsert it into the socket, or store it in milk, and get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving it. Chipped and cracked teeth are rarely as time-sensitive, but should still be evaluated within a day or two to prevent further damage or infection.
Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing surface), never the root
- Rinse it gently with water — no soap, and don't scrub it
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth back into its socket
- If you can't reinsert it, store it in milk or your own saliva, not tap water
- Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth
Chipped Tooth
- Save the broken fragment if you can find it
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress to the cheek or lip to reduce swelling
- Cover any sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek
- Schedule a dental visit as soon as possible
Cracked or Fractured Tooth
Signs of a cracked tooth include pain when biting down, sensitivity to temperature, or a visible line across the tooth. Rinse with warm salt water, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and use a cold compress for swelling. See a dentist promptly — cracks can worsen over time and may eventually expose the nerve, leading to the need for a root canal or extraction if left untreated.
Lost Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown comes loose, keep it if you can find it and avoid chewing on that side. Over-the-counter dental cement or a small dab of clove oil can help temporarily manage sensitivity, and sticky or hard foods should be avoided until you're seen. Contact our office promptly — we can often re-cement a crown that's still in good condition.
Severe Toothache or Facial Swelling
A severe, persistent toothache accompanied by swelling can indicate a dental abscess or spreading infection. This should never be ignored, especially if you notice facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing — these can be signs that urgent care is needed.
When to Go to the ER vs. Call Your Dentist
- Go to the emergency room for uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or a suspected jaw fracture
- Call your dentist for most tooth-specific trauma, including knocked-out, chipped, or cracked teeth and toothaches
How Premier Arts Dental Handles Dental Emergencies
Our team works to accommodate urgent visits as quickly as possible, so you're not left managing a dental injury on your own. Learn more about our emergency dentistry services and what to expect when you call.
Experiencing a Dental Emergency in Freehold, NJ?
Don't wait it out. Premier Arts Dental welcomes urgent-care patients from Freehold Township and nearby Manalapan, Englishtown, Marlboro, and Howell. Call (732) 702-2787 right away so our team can guide you through the next steps and get you in as quickly as possible.
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