Emergency Dental Care: What to Do Before You Reach Us

Dental emergencies can happen anytime. Knowing how to respond can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Here's what to do in common emergency situations.

Knocked-Out Tooth

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Rinse gently if dirty (don't scrub)
• Try to place it back in the socket
• If not possible, keep it moist in milk
• Get to a dentist within 30 minutes

Severe Toothache

• Rinse with warm salt water
• Floss gently to remove any trapped debris
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Call for an appointment immediately

Broken or Chipped Tooth

• Save any pieces if possible
• Rinse your mouth with warm water
• Apply gauze if there's bleeding
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling

Lost Filling or Crown

• Keep the crown if possible
• Apply temporary dental cement or toothpaste
• Avoid chewing on that side
• See your dentist as soon as possible

When to Seek Immediate Care

• Severe pain that won't subside
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Facial swelling
• Signs of infection (fever, pus)

We offer same-day emergency appointments at Smiles of Moorpark.