A dental emergency always seems to happen at the worst moment, and pain makes it hard to think clearly. Take a breath: most emergencies have a few simple first steps that protect the tooth, and I’ll walk you through them, along with when to call us and when to go straight to a hospital.
Key takeaways
- Call or WhatsApp us on +91 76868 28000 for severe toothache, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling, or bleeding that won’t stop. We are open Monday to Friday 10am-7pm and Saturday 10am-2pm, and we fit urgent problems into same-day slots when available.
- A knocked-out tooth is time-critical: rinse it gently, don’t touch the root, try to place it back or keep it in milk, and see a dentist within 30-60 minutes.
- If swelling affects your breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever or a serious head or jaw injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency department first.
What counts as a dental emergency?
- Severe or persistent toothache
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Swelling of the gum or face, which can signal an abscess
- A lost filling or crown that is causing pain
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop after an extraction or injury
- A cut to the lips, tongue or gums
A small chip that doesn’t hurt, or a brief twinge of sensitivity, can usually wait for a normal appointment. If you’re not sure, message us and we’ll tell you honestly how urgent it is.
What should I do first?
First steps for common dental emergencies
| Problem | What to do now | When to be seen |
|---|---|---|
| Severe toothache | Rinse with warm water, gently floss out any trapped food, take pain relief as directed on the packet; do not place tablets against the gum | As soon as possible |
| Knocked-out tooth | Pick it up by the crown, not the root; rinse gently with water; place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in milk or saliva | Within 30-60 minutes |
| Broken or chipped tooth | Rinse your mouth with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling; keep any fragment | Within 24 hours |
| Swelling or abscess | Do not wait it out; a dental abscess needs professional treatment | Same day |
| Lost filling or crown | Keep the crown if you have it and avoid chewing on that side | Soon, before more damage happens |
| Bleeding after extraction | Bite gently on clean gauze for 30-60 minutes; avoid spitting and straws | Call us if it continues |
| Cut lip, tongue or gum | Rinse with water and press with clean gauze | If bleeding does not stop |
When should I go to a hospital instead?
Go to the nearest hospital emergency department if you have swelling that affects your breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading towards the eye or neck, a high fever with facial swelling, bleeding that won’t stop, or a serious injury to the head or jaw. Then let us know so we can follow up on the tooth.
A patient’s experience
A patient told us he had ignored a dull ache for weeks until it became a throbbing pain over a weekend. He messaged us on Monday morning, was seen that day, and said the relief after treatment was almost immediate.
What happens when you come to us?
Your emergency visit
When can you reach us?
Tricity Smiles Dentistry is at House No. 109, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh 160002. We are open Monday to Friday 10:00-19:00 and Saturday 10:00-14:00, and closed on Sundays. Call or WhatsApp +91 76868 28000. We are not a 24-hour service: outside these hours, follow the hospital advice above for serious problems, and message us so we can see you at the next opportunity.
How can you prevent a dental emergency?
- Fix small cavities early: how decay progresses.
- Wear a mouthguard for sports and a night guard if you grind your teeth.
- Keep regular check-ups: book a dental check-up.
- Never use your teeth as tools, and avoid biting ice or very hard foods.
- For children, read what to do if your child breaks a tooth.
In pain or had an accident? Call or WhatsApp us now.
Book a consultation at Tricity Smiles, Sector 28-A, Chandigarh, or message us on WhatsApp and we will get back to you.
Book NowWhatsApp UsFrequently asked questions
What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?
Pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it gently with water and try to place it back in the socket. If you can’t, keep it in milk or saliva and see a dentist within 30-60 minutes.
Is a toothache a dental emergency?
Severe or persistent toothache, especially with swelling, is. Rinse with warm water, remove trapped food gently, take pain relief as directed on the packet and contact us as soon as possible.
What should I do if my face is swollen?
Swelling can signal an abscess and needs urgent professional care. If it affects your breathing or swallowing, or comes with a high fever, go to the nearest hospital emergency department first.
Do you see dental emergencies on the same day?
We fit urgent problems into same-day slots when available. Call or WhatsApp +91 76868 28000 first so we can prepare.
Are you open on Sundays or at night?
No. We are open Monday to Friday 10:00-19:00 and Saturday 10:00-14:00, and closed on Sundays. For serious problems outside these hours, go to a hospital emergency department.
Sources and further reading
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental Emergencies
- NHS: Toothache
- NHS: Dental abscess
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Abscess
This article is general information for patients and does not replace a personal examination. Treatment plans and costs depend on your individual case.
About the author
Written by Dr. Sandhu
Founder and lead dentist, Tricity Smiles Dentistry, Chandigarh
Dr. Sandhu has over 20 years of clinical experience. He completed his BDS at CMC Ludhiana, holds a Master’s from the University of Southern California (USC) and completed the International DDS Program at UCSF. He is a member of Spear Education, the Dawson Academy and RIPE Global, and leads Tricity’s first 100% digital dental clinic, caring for families across Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula and Zirakpur.
