Dental Emergencies: What to Do Before You Reach the Dentist

Accidents happen, and severe toothaches can strike in the middle of the night. Knowing how to handle a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth. At Hamro Multispecialty Dental Clinic, we provide urgent care for patients across Bhaktapur.

1. A Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)

If an adult tooth is knocked completely out, time is critical. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the top part), NOT the root. Gently rinse it with milk or saline (do not scrub). If possible, try to place it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it submerged in a glass of cold milk or inside your cheek. Get to our clinic within 30-60 minutes, and we may be able to replant it.

2. Severe Toothache

A throbbing, unyielding toothache usually indicates a severe infection or dental abscess. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Use dental floss to ensure no food is trapped between the teeth. Take an over-the-counter painkiller (like paracetamol or ibuprofen), but never place aspirin directly against the gums, as it will burn the tissue. Call us immediately for an emergency root canal or extraction.

3. Chipped or Broken Tooth

Save any pieces of the broken tooth if you can find them. Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply a piece of clean gauze to the area until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to keep swelling down.