The short version
- 1Swelling of the face or neck, or trouble breathing or swallowing, is an emergency: call 911 or go to an emergency room.
- 2For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters. Call a dentist right away.
- 3Keep your dentist’s number somewhere you can find it.
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket, otherwise keep it moist in milk, and see a dentist immediately. Do not try this with a baby tooth.
A chipped or cracked tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water and save any pieces. Cold compresses on the cheek help with swelling. Call a dentist soon, even if it does not hurt.
A bad toothache
Rinse with warm water and floss gently in case food is stuck. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum. Call a dentist; a lasting toothache usually needs to be examined.
When it is an ER matter
- Swelling that spreads to the face, eye or neck.
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Heavy bleeding that will not stop.
- A jaw injury.
In those cases call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Plan ahead for costs
Emergency visits can be expensive. Ask in advance how an office handles urgent patients, whether you must be an existing patient, and what payment options exist.
General information only. Flossera is not a dental or medical provider and this is not dental or medical advice. Talk with your own dentist about your situation. In an emergency, call 911. Updated October 30, 2026.