Managing a Dental Emergency Before Seeing Your Dentist

Dental emergencies can be both painful and worrying, but knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference. At Acorn Dental Health, we prioritise your oral health, especially during emergencies. Here, we offer guidance on managing common dental issues before you’re able to see an emergency dentist.

Common Types of Dental Emergencies and Immediate Steps

Dental emergencies range from broken teeth to severe toothaches. Here are some common issues and quick steps to address them until you can reach our dental practice:



Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth can often be reinserted if treated promptly. Here’s what to do:

Retrieve the Tooth: Hold it by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root. Avoid touching the root to prevent further damage.

Rinse Gently: If dirty, gently rinse with water. Do not scrub or use soap.

Reinsert if Possible: Try placing the tooth back into its socket and bite down gently. If this isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a container with milk or a saline solution until you reach us.

Time is essential with a knocked-out tooth, so reach out to us at Acorn Dental Health immediately.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can be debilitating, but you can take steps to alleviate the pain temporarily:

Rinse with Warm Salt Water: This can help reduce swelling and clear any debris.

Floss Carefully: Sometimes, food particles stuck between teeth can cause or worsen the pain. Gentle flossing can help alleviate this.

Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers can provide temporary relief. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum, as it can cause irritation.

Toothaches can have various causes, from cavities to infections, so it’s important to book an appointment for a professional assessment.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth requires attention to prevent further damage or infection. If you have a chipped or fractured tooth:

Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to clean the area and remove any broken fragments.

Apply Cold Compress: This helps to reduce swelling if the break caused trauma to the face.

Use Dental Cement: Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can help cover the chipped tooth until you reach our practice.

We can repair a chipped tooth in our Southampton clinic, often using bonding or crowns, depending on the severity.

Preventing Further Damage

While waiting for emergency dental care, there are additional steps to protect your teeth:

Avoid Hard Foods: Stick to soft foods to prevent further damage.

Stay Calm: Panicking can sometimes make the situation worse. Take deep breaths and follow the steps above to maintain control over the situation.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Not all dental issues require immediate treatment, but some conditions should never be ignored. If you experience significant bleeding, unbearable pain, or suspect an infection (evident by fever, swelling, or foul-tasting discharge), contact us at Acorn Dental Health without delay. Our team is here to offer the compassionate, professional emergency dental care you need.