Emergency · 5 min read
Dental Emergency? What to Do Before You Get to the Dentist
Reviewed by Dr. Charles Smurthwaite, DDS, MS ·
The short answer
Call your dentist immediately — Smile Quest Dental offers same-day emergency visits at 916-797-8511. For a knocked-out tooth, hold it by the crown, rinse gently and keep it in milk. For swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.
Knocked-out tooth
Time matters. Pick the tooth up by the crown, rinse without scrubbing, and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, store it in milk and get to us within an hour.
Severe toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and floss gently to remove trapped food. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help. Never put aspirin directly on the gums.
Broken tooth or lost crown
Save any pieces, rinse, and use a cold compress for swelling. A lost crown can be temporarily held with dental cement from a pharmacy — but don’t use glue.
Considering emergency dentistry?
Get a personal plan from Dr. Smurthwaite in Rocklin — minutes from Roseville, Lincoln, Granite Bay and Antelope.
Read the full Emergency Dentistry guideFrequently asked questions
Do you see emergency patients who aren’t established?
Yes. New patients without insurance can get a $49 emergency exam and x-ray.
