Dental emergencies don’t make appointments. They show up when you least expect them—right before a big meeting, during your kid’s soccer game, or in the middle of the night. According to the ADA, millions of people experience sudden dental issues every year, from toothaches to broken teeth and beyond.
At Fountain of Youth Dental in San Antonio, we believe a calm, informed response can make a massive difference. Whether it’s you, your child, or a friend, knowing exactly what to do can relieve pain fast—and sometimes even save a tooth.
This guide breaks down what to do (and what not to do) for the most common dental emergencies. Let’s get you prepared!
First Things First: What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clear up what qualifies as an emergency.
Here are a few situations that typically require urgent dental care:
- A knocked-out, loose, or broken tooth
- Severe, unrelenting tooth pain
- Facial swelling or jaw pain
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth or gums
- Signs of infection (fever, pus, foul taste)
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to call us at (210) 614-5481. We can help assess the urgency and guide your next steps.
Tooth Knocked Out? Act Fast and Handle with Care
Losing an adult tooth can be scary—but if you act quickly, there’s a real chance it can be saved.
Timing is everything here. The first 30 minutes are critical for improving the chances of reimplantation.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Gently rinse it with saline or milk if dirty. Don’t scrub or use soap.
- If possible, place it back into the socket and hold it there with gentle pressure.
- If reinserting isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of milk or your saliva.
- Call our office immediately. We’ll do everything we can to save it.
Avoid touching the root and don’t let the tooth dry out. Moisture is key!
Sudden Toothache? Ease the Pain and Check the Area
Toothaches can sneak up on you fast. They range from annoying to absolutely unbearable. Either way, they’re trying to tell you something.
To manage the pain at home:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use floss to check for trapped food or debris.
- Apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen—never apply aspirin directly to the tooth.
Don’t use heat or lie down on the affected side. If the pain is throbbing, it could be an infection. Give us a call so we can take a look and provide treatment as needed.
Broken or Chipped Tooth? Protect What’s Left
Accidents happen. Whether it’s a sports injury or biting into something hard, broken teeth are common—and fixable.
First, focus on protecting your mouth and preserving the tooth.
Here’s what we suggest:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Save any pieces if you can.
- Apply gauze if there’s bleeding.
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges.
- Call us so we can schedule you in for evaluation and repair.
Depending on the severity, we might recommend bonding, a crown, or even a veneer to restore function and appearance.
Lost Filling or Crown? Use a Temporary Fix
Losing a crown or filling isn’t usually painful at first—but it can become uncomfortable quickly, especially if the tooth is exposed to air, food, or pressure.
To manage the situation until we can see you:
- Gently clean the area.
- Use temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to reseat a crown.
- If you can’t find cement, sugar-free gum or dental wax can cover the area temporarily.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods on that side.
We’ll get you in fast to restore the tooth and prevent further damage.
Swelling or Abscess? Don’t Wait It Out
Swelling—especially when paired with pain or fever—is a major red flag. It could mean infection, which needs attention right away.
Here’s what to do at home:
- Rinse gently with salt water.
- Use a cold compress to manage swelling.
- Take pain relievers if needed.
- Do not attempt to drain the swelling yourself.
Call us right away. If left untreated, dental infections can spread to other areas of the body.
Bleeding After Injury? Apply Gentle Pressure
Bleeding after a fall, sports injury, or bite can look intense—but in many cases, it can be controlled at home.
To stop oral bleeding:
- Rinse your mouth with cool water to remove debris.
- Apply gauze or a clean cloth with firm, gentle pressure.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If the bleeding hasn’t stopped after 15 minutes, or if the cut is deep, it’s time to call us—or head to urgent care.
What You Should Have in a Dental Emergency Kit
Preparation is everything. Having a dental emergency kit on hand can help you stay calm and take fast action.
Here’s what we recommend keeping nearby:
- Sterile gauze and gloves
- Dental wax or temporary filling material
- A small container with a lid (for knocked-out teeth)
- Saline solution or salt packets
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Ice pack or cold compress
- Our contact info: (210) 614-5481
Toss these items in a small pouch and store it in your car, bathroom, or sports bag. You’ll be glad you did.
When to Go to the ER Instead
While most dental emergencies are best handled by your dentist, some situations call for emergency medical care.
Head to the emergency room if:
- You have a broken jaw or facial bone trauma
- Bleeding won’t stop after applying pressure
- Swelling is affecting your breathing or swallowing
In those cases, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. Once you’re stable, we’ll coordinate follow-up care.
How to Avoid Dental Emergencies in the First Place
You can’t prevent every accident—but there are ways to reduce your risk.
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports or if you grind your teeth at night.
- Don’t chew ice, hard candy, or use your teeth to open things.
- Brush and floss daily, and see us for regular cleanings and checkups.
Good habits go a long way in protecting your smile!
We’re Here When You Need Us Most
Emergencies are stressful—but you’re not alone. At Fountain of Youth Dental, we leave room in our schedule for urgent cases and will always do our best to get you in fast.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us at (210) 614-5481. We’ll walk you through your next step, help manage the pain, and work quickly to get you smiling again.
