Top Five Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — whether it's a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or an injury from an accident. Knowing how to respond in these situations can save your teeth and prevent further complications. If you experience any dental emergency, seeking immediate care from an emergency dentist Chandler is crucial. In this article, we'll discuss the top five common dental emergencies and how to handle them until you can see a dentist in Chandler.

Severe Toothache

A toothache is one of the most common dental emergencies and can range from mild discomfort to intense pain. Toothaches are often caused by cavities, infections, or gum disease.

What to Do:

• Clean your mouth by rinsing with lukewarm water.

• Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food particles.

• Place a cold compress on your cheek to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

• Take over-the-counter pain relief (such as ibuprofen) to manage the pain.

• Avoid putting aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can cause tissue damage.

👉 If the pain persists or worsens, contact an emergency dentist in Chandler immediately to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can result from biting down on something hard, an accident, or a fall. This can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain and increased risk of infection.

What to Do:

• Clean your mouth by gently rinsing with warm water to remove any debris.

• Save any broken pieces and bring them to your dental appointment.

• Apply gauze to any bleeding areas and hold it in place until the bleeding stops.

• Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.

👉 A dentist Chandler can repair a chipped or broken tooth using bonding, a crown, or other restorative treatments.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies. If treated quickly, the tooth can often be saved.

What to Do:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (avoid touching the root).

• Rinse it gently with water if it's dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments.

• Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket if possible.

• If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or a saline solution.

• See an emergency dentist in Chandler within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.

👉 Quick action is essential to preserve the tooth and prevent long-term damage.

Lost Filling or Crown

A lost filling or crown can leave the affected tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and damage.

What to Do:

• Keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth with warm water.

• Apply dental cement (available at most pharmacies) or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed tooth if a crown is missing.

• If you still have the crown, try to place it back over the tooth using dental cement.

• Avoid chewing on the affected side until you see a dentist.

👉 A dentist Chandler can replace or repair the filling or crown to restore your tooth's structure and function.

Abscess or Dental Infection

An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever and may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

What to Do:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce swelling and draw out the infection.

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek.

• Take over-the-counter pain medication to manage discomfort.

• Avoid pressing on the swollen area, as it may worsen the infection.

👉 An emergency dentist Chandler may need to drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, or perform a root canal to eliminate the infection.

✅ When to Seek Help from an Emergency Dentist in Chandler

While some minor dental issues can wait until your next regular appointment, dental emergencies like severe pain, knocked-out teeth, or infections require immediate attention. An experienced dentist in Chandler can diagnose the issue and provide the right treatment to relieve your discomfort and prevent further complications.

If you or a loved one experiences any of these dental emergencies, don’t hesitate to contact Canyon State Dental. Acting quickly can make a significant difference in preserving your oral health and avoiding long-term problems.