What to Do in a Dental Emergency

When sudden pain strikes your teeth or gums, or when an accident leaves you bleeding or with a broken tooth, it’s natural to feel panicked and unsure of what to do first. But staying calm, knowing a few key first-aid steps, and getting to the right dentist quickly can make a big difference.

At Crystal Martin, DDS, in Ellisville, MO, our team is prepared to support you through dental emergencies. We strive to offer same-day relief, compassionate care, and tailored treatment to get your mouth and your peace of mind back on track.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Not every toothache needs a dash to the dentist, but some do. When in doubt, call us; we’ll help you decide whether your situation is urgent and often squeeze you in for same-day care. Here are common issues that qualify as dental emergencies:

1. Severe, persistent tooth pain or heightened sensitivity: When throbbing, deep pain does not respond to over-the-counter measures or affects your ability to eat, sleep, or concentrate, this often indicates serious underlying issues, like dental pulp inflammation, a cracked tooth, or infection.
   
2. Cracked, fractured, or broken tooth: A crack that causes pain or leaves sharp edges that injure soft tissues is a serious concern. Even a minor chip may evolve into a worse problem if left untreated.
   
3. Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth: This is among the most urgent dental situations. If you can reinsert the tooth or preserve it properly, the chances of saving it go way up.
   
4. Loose or dislodged tooth: A tooth that wiggles from trauma may be compromised in the bone or its ligaments. Immediate stabilization is often required.
   
5. Abscess or swelling/infection: A swollen face, painful gum bump, pus, or red gums suggest a serious infection. Infections in the mouth can spread quickly and even affect systemic health.
   
6. Uncontrolled bleeding: Whether from trauma, surgery, or injury, bleeding that doesn’t slow down is dangerous and requires urgent attention.
   
7. Loose, broken, or missing crowns, bridges, or fillings causing pain or sharp edges: While not all broken restorations qualify as full emergencies, if they expose nerve tissue or cut your cheek, treat them as urgent.
   
8. Injuries to gums, lips, tongue, or cheek: Cuts or tears inside the mouth may bleed heavily and may need stitches or professional repair.

If any of the above are happening, reach out. If your situation includes trouble breathing, swallowing, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After an Incident

Here’s a breakdown of what to do in the moment for different common emergencies. Remember: these are first-aid measures,  prompt professional care is essential.

Toothache / Sudden Pain

• Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) to flush debris.
• Use floss gently to remove anything stuck between teeth.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever (per label instructions), but never place aspirin or similar directly on gums or tooth, that can burn delicate soft tissue.
• Use a cold compress (applied to the cheek, not directly to skin) to reduce swelling or dull pain.
• Call our Ellisville office at (636) 227-0507 to schedule a same-day evaluation. 

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

• Save any fragments of the tooth, if available.
• Rinse your mouth gently, and also rinse the fragments in clean water (avoid scrubbing).
• Apply a cold compress outside the cheek to reduce swelling.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Use temporary dental wax or sugarless gum to cover sharp edges if necessary.
• Call us immediately; early treatment can preserve more of the tooth structure.
  

Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Permanent Tooth

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
• Rinse gently, don’t scrub or remove tissue fibers.
• If possible, reinsert the tooth into its socket and gently bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
• If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in cold milk or your saliva (in your cheek),  never water, if avoidable.
• Time is critical: aim to reach us within 30 minutes for best chance to save the tooth.
  

Swelling or Abscess / Infection

• Swelling or facial puffiness, especially if advancing rapidly, indicates urgency.
• Use a cold compress to relieve discomfort (not heat, heat may worsen infection).
• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Do not apply pressure to the swelling.
• Contact our office immediately. We may need to prescribe antibiotics or drain an abscess.

Bleeding Cuts in Soft Tissue (Gums, Lips, Tongue, Face)

• Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth and apply firm, steady pressure to the area for 10–15 minutes.
• If bleeding doesn’t stop, or if the cut is deep, seek care at a hospital or our office immediately.
• Cold compresses help reduce swelling and slow bleeding.

Broken or Irritating Dental Appliances (Bridges, Wires, Braces)

• If a wire is poking or cutting soft tissue, attempt to gently reposition it with a clean pencil eraser.
• Cover with orthodontic wax or sugarless gum until repair.
• Reach out to your orthodontist or us, broken appliances should be handled soon to prevent further damage.

How Crystal Martin DDS Handles Emergency Dental Care in Ellisville

At Crystal Martin, DDS, caring for patients in urgent need is a foundational part of our mission. We understand that dental injuries and pain seldom happen during convenient times, so we do our best to respond quickly, compassionately, and effectively.

Same-Day Appointments & Urgent Slots

We reserve openings in our daily schedule specifically for urgent cases, meaning many patients can be seen the same day they call. If your emergency arises early enough in the day, we’ll work you in. 

Compassionate, Person-First Approach

From the moment you contact us, we want you to feel heard and supported. We’ll ask questions to assess your symptoms, guide you in interim care, and help you stay as comfortable as possible until you arrive.

Once you’re in our chair, we’ll take time to listen to your fears, explain each step, and move at your pace. If you experience dental anxiety, let us know; we offer nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) to help you relax. 

Diagnostic Tools & Conservative Treatment

We use modern digital imaging and diagnostics to pinpoint the cause of pain or damage quickly and accurately. Our goal is always to preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible.

Depending on your condition, we may provide:

• Temporary bonding, crowns, or fillings to protect damaged teeth
• Root canal therapy when infection has reached the inner pulp
• Extraction (only when absolutely necessary)
• Draining an abscess and prescribing antibiotics
• Splinting (stabilizing) a loose tooth
• Repairing broken restorations or appliances

We’ll work with you on a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs, preferences, and budget.

New Patients & Emergency Services

Even if you’ve never visited our practice before, we do our best to accommodate emergency visits. You won’t be left waiting in pain simply because you aren’t yet a regular patient. We welcome new and existing patients alike when urgent care is needed.

After-Hours Emergencies

While our main office hours are Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We understand emergencies may occur outside of those times. If you call our office outside hours, our voicemail or answering service will provide instructions and help you access care. Some local practices (e.g., pediatric offices in Ellisville) may charge an after-hours emergency fee, so it’s always best to call first and confirm how to proceed.

Why Trust Crystal Martin, DDS, in Ellisville for Your Urgent Dental Needs

• Deep roots in the community: We’re located at 277 Clarkson Road, Suite 100, Ellisville, MO
• High patient satisfaction: Over 200 5-star reviews and a strong reputation for compassionate care.
• Comfort-first philosophy: We include tools like nitrous oxide, a gentle pace, and a friendly staff to reduce anxiety.
• Comprehensive services: Beyond emergencies, we offer restorative, cosmetic, preventative, and sleep apnea services, so you can continue your care journey in one place.
• Accessibility to new patients: You don’t have to be an established patient to receive emergency care; our door is open.

When pain or trauma strikes, having a trusted local emergency dentist you know can relieve much of the stress. That’s what we aim to be for you in Ellisville.

Call Us Without Delay, We’re Here for You

When a dental emergency happens in Ellisville, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your outcomes. Here’s how to reach us:

Let us be your first call when pain or injury strikes. You don’t have to suffer. We’re committed to providing gentle, prompt, expert care, whether it’s a new patient or a longtime friend.

Stay safe, stay calm, and know that help is just a call (and a few minutes) away.

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.