Emergency Dentistry Guide: What To Do For Toothaches, Cracks & Knocked-Out Teeth

First: Don’t Panic—Act Promptly

Dental emergencies happen at the most inconvenient times. Quick, calm steps can save a tooth, ease pain, and prevent complications. Here’s a patient-friendly guide, plus how our Summit emergency dentist can help the same day whenever possible.

Severe Toothache

Rinse & Inspect: Warm saltwater rinse; check for lodged food with floss.
OTC Relief: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed (avoid placing aspirin on the tooth/gums).
Call Us: Pain that wakes you at night, lingers after hot/cold, or throbs is a red flag for decay, infection, or a cracked tooth.

Broken Or Cracked Tooth

Save Pieces: Store fragments in milk or saliva.
Temporary Cover: Dental wax can cover a sharp edge to protect your tongue/cheek.
Why It Matters: Cracks can deepen and invite bacteria; early care can preserve more natural tooth.

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth

Handle The Crown Only: Avoid touching the root.
Gently Rinse: Do not scrub.
Reinsert If You Can: Bite on gauze to hold in place; if not possible, store in milk or an emergency tooth preservation kit.
Time Is Critical: Best outcomes within 30–60 minutes—call immediately.

Lost Filling Or Crown

Clean & Protect: You can use temporary dental cement from a pharmacy.
Avoid Sticky Foods: They can pull off temporaries; chew on the opposite side.
Next Step: We’ll evaluate for decay, cracks, and the best long-term fix—filling, bonding, or a new crown.

Facial Swelling / Abscess

Urgent: Swelling with fever or trouble swallowing is an emergency.
Do Not Heat: Heat can worsen spread; use cold compresses externally.
Call Us Or Seek Urgent Care: Infections can progress quickly and need prompt treatment.

Sports & Nighttime Protection

A custom athletic mouthguard lowers risk of dental trauma. For grinders, nightguards protect enamel and restorations—especially after crowns or implants.

How We Help In One Visit

Same-day exams and digital X-rays
Comfortable numbing and Emergency Dentistry treatment options
Temporary restorations to stabilize your smile
Pain control and clear next steps—often with definitive care started immediately

Prevention You’ll Feel

Regular checkups and bite assessments catch cracks early. Fluoride, sealants (for kids and select adults), and guards lower emergency risk. If you’re mid-Invisalign, keep your case and a previous tray in your bag while traveling.

We’re Here When You Need Us

If you’re in pain or something broke, call Summit Family & Cosmetic Dentistry at 908-522-0077 in Summit, NJ. We’ll guide you on the phone and prioritize a same-day visit whenever possible.