Dental Emergencies: What to Do & What Can Wait | Lifetime Family Dental, Kaysville
Short answer: some dental problems need care within an hour or two — a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or facial swelling — while others (a lost filling, a small chip with no pain) can wait a day or two for a regular appointment. Knowing the difference can save a tooth and a lot of stress. Here's a quick guide to what to do in the moment, and when to call us right away. When in doubt, call — we'd always rather hear from you.
True emergencies — act fast
Knocked-out tooth. Time is critical. Handle it by the crown (not the root), gently rinse if dirty, and try to place it back in the socket; if you can't, keep it in milk (or saliva) and get to us immediately. Fast action can sometimes save the tooth.
Severe, worsening toothache. Intense pain can signal infection — don't tough it out.
Facial swelling. Swelling in the face or gums can mean a spreading infection, which is serious — call right away (and seek emergency medical care if you have trouble breathing or swallowing).
Broken/cracked tooth with pain or bleeding. Rinse with warm water, use a cold compress for swelling, and call us.
Handle soon — but not a middle-of-the-night crisis
Lost filling or crown with little or no pain.
Small chip that isn't sharp or painful.
Mild, occasional sensitivity.
Food stuck that you can't remove with gentle flossing.
These deserve a prompt appointment — just not an emergency dash.
A few things that help in any dental emergency
Rinse gently with warm water, use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek for swelling, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed if needed (avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum). And call us — describing what happened helps us guide you and get you seen quickly.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out? Handle it by the crown, gently rinse if dirty, and try to reinsert it; if you can't, keep it in milk or saliva and get to a dentist immediately. Speed matters.
Is a bad toothache a dental emergency? Severe or worsening pain can signal infection and shouldn't be ignored — call right away rather than waiting it out.
What if I lose a filling or crown? If there's little or no pain, it's usually not an after-hours emergency — keep the area clean and schedule a prompt appointment.
When should I go to the ER instead? If you have facial swelling with trouble breathing or swallowing, or significant trauma, seek emergency medical care right away.
Dental emergency? We're here to help.
When something goes wrong, don't guess — call us and we'll guide you. Request a visit (https://book.modento.io/c/db178f1543eb40eab1448b88501a2517/booknow/patient-details) or call (801) 546-2413. New patients are always welcome at Lifetime Family Dental in Kaysville. Learn more about our general dentistry (https://lifetimefd.com/general-dentistry) services.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not dental or medical advice. In a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. For diagnosis and treatment, please see a licensed dentist.
