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Dental emergency

The next few minutes matter more than a perfect plan.

Do the simple things first. Then get to a dentist. If swelling is spreading, you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or you feel very unwell — go to emergency care.

01

Knocked-out tooth

Do now

  • Pick the tooth up by the crown (the chewing part), never the root.
  • If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline — do not scrub or use soap.
  • If you can, place it back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth.
  • If you cannot reinsert it, keep it in milk or in the cheek (not water).

Don't

  • Don't let the tooth dry out.
  • Don't wrap it in tissue or a dry cloth.

See a dentist: Go to a dentist immediately — ideally within 30–60 minutes. A permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved if it is replanted quickly.

02

Severe toothache

Do now

  • Rinse with warm salt water.
  • Floss gently around the tooth in case food is trapped.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed on the pack (avoid placing aspirin on the gum).
  • Apply a cold compress on the cheek for swelling.

Don't

  • Don't put heat on a swollen face.
  • Don't ignore pain that wakes you at night.

See a dentist: See a dentist the same day if pain is severe, throbbing, or paired with swelling or fever — it may be an infection.

03

Swelling or abscess

Do now

  • Keep the head elevated.
  • Use a cold compress on the outside of the face in 10-minute spells.
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water.

Don't

  • Don't try to lance, pop, or drain the swelling yourself.
  • Don't delay if you feel unwell, have a fever, or swelling is spreading.

See a dentist: This is urgent. Facial swelling that spreads toward the eye or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a high fever needs emergency care — go to A&E / ER, not just a clinic.

04

Broken or chipped tooth

Do now

  • Rinse with warm water.
  • Save any broken pieces in milk if you can.
  • Cover a sharp edge with dental wax or sugar-free gum so it doesn't cut the tongue.
  • Use a cold compress for swelling.

Don't

  • Don't chew on that side.
  • Don't ignore a crack that hurts when you bite.

See a dentist: See a dentist promptly. A small chip may only need smoothing or bonding; a deeper break can expose the nerve and needs faster treatment.

05

Lost filling or crown

Do now

  • Keep the crown if you still have it.
  • Clean the tooth gently.
  • If the crown still fits and you can seat it without force, a tiny amount of temporary dental cement or toothpaste can hold it until you are seen.

Don't

  • Don't use super glue.
  • Don't leave a large hole open for days if it hurts.

See a dentist: Book in as soon as you can. The exposed tooth can be sensitive and can decay quickly.

06

Bleeding after an extraction

Do now

  • Bite firmly on a clean gauze or cloth for 20–30 minutes without peeking.
  • Sit upright and rest.
  • If it soaks through, replace the gauze and bite again.

Don't

  • Don't rinse, spit, use a straw, or smoke for the first 24 hours.
  • Don't take aspirin unless a doctor has told you to — it can increase bleeding.

See a dentist: If bleeding is heavy, won't slow after two or three cycles of pressure, or you feel faint, contact the dentist who treated you or seek urgent care.

This is general information written by a dentist, not personal medical advice. If you are in pain, swollen, or unsure, see a qualified dentist.

Not sure if it's an emergency?

Browse Is This Normal? or a What Should I Do? guide for calmer, non-urgent problems.

Is this normal?Dental emergency?

Written by a dentist · Evidence-based · Not a substitute for an exam