How to Handle a Dental Emergency | Quick Tips & When to Call Your Dentist

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing how to respond quickly can make a big difference in saving your teeth, reducing pain, and preventing further damage. Whether it’s a sudden toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken filling, being prepared and acting fast is key. Here’s a guide to handling common dental emergencies and knowing when it’s time to call your dentist.

Severe Toothache

A sudden, intense toothache can be caused by decay, infection, or trauma. To manage pain before seeing a dentist:

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation.
Use over-the-counter painkillers as needed, following dosage instructions.
Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gum or tooth as it can irritate the tissue.

Call your dentist promptly, especially if the pain persists, is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing. Early treatment can prevent infection from spreading and avoid more invasive procedures.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A tooth that has been completely dislodged requires immediate action:

Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root.
Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but avoid scrubbing.
Try to reinsert it into the socket if possible; if not, keep it in a container with milk or saliva.

Time is critical—ideally, you should reach your dentist within one hour for the best chance of saving the tooth. At Sharples Dental, we prioritise these emergencies to maximise tooth preservation.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth can range from minor to severe. Steps to manage the situation:

Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling if needed.
Save any broken pieces of the tooth to show your dentist.

Even minor chips should be assessed by a dentist to prevent sharp edges from injuring your tongue or worsening the damage. Treatment options may include bonding, crowns, or veneers, depending on severity.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a filling or crown comes loose:

Keep the piece if possible and bring it to your dentist.
Temporarily protect the exposed tooth with dental cement or sugar-free gum.
Avoid chewing on that side until you’re seen.

Prompt dental care can prevent sensitivity, decay, or infection.

When to Call Your Dentist Immediately

You should always contact your dentist if you experience:

Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
Severe swelling or pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication
A knocked-out permanent tooth
Signs of infection such as fever or pus
Persistent trauma after an accident

Sharples Dental offers emergency appointments to address urgent dental issues, providing expert care and peace of mind when you need it most.

Stay Prepared and Calm

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing the right steps can reduce pain and protect your oral health. Keep a small dental emergency kit at home with gloves, gauze, a small container for knocked-out teeth, and over-the-counter pain relief.

By acting quickly and contacting your dentist when necessary, you can save teeth, prevent complications, and restore your smile safely. At Sharples Dental, we are here to provide prompt, professional care for all dental emergencies in Bolton and surrounding areas.

Don’t wait in pain—call your dentist immediately if you experience a dental emergency.

What Our Patients Are Saying experience

We’re dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, and our patients’ feedback speaks for itself. Here’s what some of our patients have to say about their experience with us:

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 353 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Josh Parkinson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent staff excellent practice
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   ian brown 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Saved my smile
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Peter Mason 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Sharples Dental in Bolton, part of Riyo Dental with their Stretford practice have state of the art equipment to maximise successful outcomes for all their patients. All their people are highly trained with expertise across all dental treatments. They have provided me with routine treatment along with implants and cosmetic work. Their in house state of the art equipment and expert people from routine treatment to the cosmetic work have provided successful outcomes. They work with their patients, from children to elderly, from routine procedures to complex procedures as individuals. Special thanks to Jabir and all the people at their dental practices. I have no hesitation in recommending them across the entire range of treatment needs. I have witnessed first hand their considerate, personable expertise as a patient and the many people being successfully treated who pass through the reception areas and waiting rooms. Well done to all of you and thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great dentist. Very professional, helpful  friendly and assuring can't recommend them enough.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Gillian Holden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As a new patient I was made to feel very comfortable. Excellent service and advice. Quick appointments too.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Abbas Sufi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service, great experience from the time walking to the door to all the way till the end. Amazing Dentist, Hyginist and receptionist. Thank you Dr Duale, Mariam and Rosie :)
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Martthemaestro 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. First visit and excellent all-round.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Liv Whittaker 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've had a few dentist over the years at this practice with some poor experiences as a child that made me very anxious at appointments, so I was nervous when it was sold again. Thankfully it's the best thing that has happened. Jabir is the first person to actually talk to me, explain everything and listen to my concerns. Things are on the up and I don't dread going to the dentist anymore. Thank you Jabir!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Lauren McKenna 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our dentist was lovely, had a nice gentle manner and really professional. Made my children feel at ease. The dental nurse was excellent and you can tell they work well together. Just an all round good experience, I’m happy I switched to Sharples Dentist-fantastic community practice

How to Handle a Dental Emergency: Quick Tips and When to Call Your Dentist