Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. What you do in the first hour can decide whether a tooth is saved. Here is what to do for the most common problems, and when to get help fast.
When to go to a hospital instead
Go to a hospital emergency department straight away if you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, a high fever with facial swelling, or a jaw injury after an accident. These need medical care before dental care.
Knocked-out adult tooth
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part). Don't touch the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or clean water. Don't scrub it.
- If you can, push it gently back into its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If not, keep it in a small cup of milk, or inside your cheek if you're an adult.
- See a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. The sooner, the better the chance of saving it.
Don't put a knocked-out baby tooth back in. Bring the child to the dentist instead.
Broken or chipped tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces.
- Press gauze on any bleeding and use a cold pack on the cheek for swelling.
- Book an appointment the same day if there is pain or the break is large; a small chip can usually wait a day or two.
Severe toothache
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove trapped food.
- Take an over-the-counter painkiller as directed on the pack.
- Never put aspirin or clove oil directly on the gum; it can burn the tissue.
- See a dentist soon. Toothache usually means decay or infection that won't heal on its own.
Swollen gum or face
Swelling often means an abscess, a pocket of infection. Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek, not heat, and see a dentist the same day. Antibiotics alone usually aren't enough; the source of infection needs treatment, often a root canal or extraction.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if it came off whole. Avoid chewing on that side and book a visit within a few days. Don't glue it back with household glue.
Getting seen the same day
Ark Dental Global keeps same-day slots for dental emergencies, Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. Call ahead on +91 99905 09300 so we're ready when you arrive. We're at R-27, 1st Floor, Greater Kailash-1, a short drive from GK-2, CR Park, Kalkaji, Lajpat Nagar and Saket. On Sundays, for severe swelling or injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cracked tooth be saved?
Often, yes, with a crown, and sometimes a root canal first. The earlier it's treated, the better the chance.
How quickly do I need to see a dentist for a knocked-out tooth?
Ideally within an hour. After that the chance of the tooth reattaching drops quickly.
What should I bring to an emergency appointment?
Any broken pieces or the knocked-out tooth (in milk), a list of medicines you take, and any recent dental X-rays if you have them.
Severe toothache is often a sign that a root canal is needed. Read our guide to wisdom tooth pain too.
Book a consultation in GK-1
In pain right now? Call us and we'll find you a same-day slot. Ark Dental Global is at R-27, 1st Floor, Greater Kailash-1, New Delhi 110048, open Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 8 PM. Call or WhatsApp +91 99905 09300, or book online.
