Question 1

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Accepted Answer

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, quick action can increase the chances of saving it:
Handle the tooth by the crown (top) only, not the roots
Gently rinse it with milk or saliva if dirty, but don't scrub or remove any attached tissue
Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible, facing the correct way
If reinsertion isn't possible, keep the tooth moist in milk, saliva, or a tooth preservation product
Call our office immediately—ideally, a knocked-out tooth should be reimplanted within 30-60 minutes
Even if hours have passed, bring your tooth to your emergency appointment as reimplantation may still be possible depending on the circumstances.

Question 2

How can I manage dental pain until my appointment?

Accepted Answer

While waiting for your emergency appointment, these temporary measures may help manage pain:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers according to package directions (avoid aspirin for dental pain as it can increase bleeding)
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to reduce swelling
Rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water)
For sensitivity, avoid hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages
Use dental wax (available at pharmacies) to cover a broken tooth with sharp edges
Apply clove oil with a cotton ball to the painful area for temporary numbing
These measures provide temporary relief only—it's still essential to keep your emergency appointment to address the underlying cause of your pain.

Question 3

What constitutes a true dental emergency?

Accepted Answer

Situations generally considered true dental emergencies include:
Severe, uncontrolled pain that isn't manageable with over-the-counter medication
Significant swelling of the face, gums, or neck
Bleeding from the mouth that doesn't stop with pressure
Trauma resulting in loose, broken, or knocked-out teeth
Infections accompanied by fever, swelling, or severe pain
Lost crowns or fillings that cause significant pain or sharp edges
Some dental issues, while uncomfortable, may not require same-day emergency treatment—such as a small chip without pain, a lost filling without sensitivity, or mild toothaches that respond well to over-the-counter pain relievers. When in doubt, call our office for guidance on whether your situation requires immediate attention.

Question 4

Will my dental insurance cover emergency treatment?

Accepted Answer

Most dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency dental care, especially for pain relief and treatment of infections or trauma. However, coverage details vary significantly between plans regarding:
Waiting periods for new policies
Annual maximums that may limit total coverage
Specific procedures that may require pre-authorization
Out-of-network coverage if emergency care is needed while traveling
Our office staff can help verify your insurance coverage when you call with an emergency. For patients without insurance, we offer our $99 new patient special that includes an exam and x-rays, providing an affordable entry point for emergency evaluation. We also discuss treatment costs upfront and can help arrange financing options for any necessary follow-up care.

Question 5

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Accepted Answer

While not all emergencies are preventable, many can be avoided with these precautions:
Maintain regular dental check-ups to catch potential problems before they become emergencies
Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during sports and recreational activities
Avoid using teeth as tools to open packages or cut materials
Don't chew ice, popcorn kernels, hard candies, or other extremely hard foods
Address teeth grinding with a night guard if recommended
Seek treatment promptly for early signs of problems like sensitivity or minor pain
Follow post-treatment instructions carefully after dental procedures
Being proactive about your dental health is the best strategy for preventing painful and costly emergency situations.

Emergency Dental Care

What Is a Dental Emergency?

Why Choose Harbison Dental Group for Emergency Care?

Common Dental Emergencies We Treat

Same Day Treatment

Common Questions About Dental Emergencies

Experiencing Dental Pain or Trauma?