Dental emergencies never happen at convenient times. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth during a weekend soccer game, sudden severe toothache in the middle of the night, or a chipped tooth before an important presentation, knowing how to respond quickly can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

At Atria-City Dental Group, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful. This comprehensive guide covers the most common dental emergencies, step-by-step first aid instructions, and when to seek immediate professional care in Singapore.

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

Not all dental issues require immediate emergency care, but certain situations demand prompt attention to prevent serious complications, save a tooth, or manage severe pain.

True Dental Emergencies Include:

Knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth – Time is critical; seeing a dentist within 30 minutes significantly improves the chances of saving the tooth.

Severe toothache or dental abscess – Intense, persistent pain often accompanied by swelling, fever, or pus indicates serious infection requiring immediate treatment.

Broken or fractured jaw – Usually resulting from facial trauma, this requires immediate medical attention at an emergency room.

Uncontrolled bleeding – Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10 minutes of applied pressure needs urgent care.

Significant tooth fracture exposing the nerve – Causes extreme sensitivity and pain, requiring immediate dental intervention.

Soft tissue injuries – Deep cuts to lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums that won’t stop bleeding.

Urgent (But Not Immediate Emergency) Situations Include:

Chipped or cracked tooth – If there’s no severe pain, this can usually wait for a next-day appointment.

Lost filling or crown – Uncomfortable but typically manageable until you can see your dentist within a day or two.

Mild to moderate toothache – If manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, schedule an appointment promptly but it’s not an emergency.

Food stuck between teeth – Try gentle flossing first; if unsuccessful, call your dentist.

Orthodontic issues – Loose brackets or poking wires are uncomfortable but rarely true emergencies.

Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes to one hour.

Immediate Actions:

1. Find the tooth and handle it by the crown (top part), never touching the root.
   
2. Rinse gently with milk or saline solution if dirty. Do not scrub, use soap, or remove any attached tissue.
   
3. Attempt reimplantation if possible. Gently push the tooth back into its socket, ensuring it faces the right way. Have the person bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
   
4. If reimplantation isn’t possible, store the tooth in a container of milk, saline solution, or the person’s saliva. Do not use tap water, as it can damage root cells.
   
5. See a dentist immediately – ideally within 30 minutes.

Important Note: For knocked-out baby teeth, do NOT try to reimplant. Contact your dentist for guidance.

Severe Toothache

Persistent, intense tooth pain usually indicates infection, deep decay, or an abscess.

Immediate Relief Steps:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce inflammation.
   
2. Gently floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped food particles.
   
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol according to package directions.
   
4. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
   
5. Avoid hot, cold, or sweet foods that may trigger pain.
   
6. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as this can burn tissue.

When to Seek Emergency Care: If pain is severe, accompanied by fever, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or pus drainage, seek immediate dental care. These symptoms indicate a serious infection that could spread.

Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth

The severity of a tooth fracture determines urgency. Minor chips can wait for a scheduled appointment, while major fractures exposing the nerve require immediate attention.

First Aid Steps:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
   
2. Save any tooth fragments and bring them to your dental appointment.
   
3. If bleeding, apply gauze to the area for 10 minutes or until bleeding stops.
   
4. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
   
5. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your tongue and cheek.
   
6. Take pain relievers if needed.

When to Seek Emergency Care: If the break is large, painful, or exposes the inner tooth, see a dentist immediately. If pain is minimal and the break is cosmetic, schedule an appointment within a day or two.

Lost Filling or Crown

While not typically an emergency, a lost filling or crown leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.

Temporary Solutions:

1. Keep the crown if you can find it; your dentist may be able to recement it.
   
2. Clean the crown and tooth gently.
   
3. Temporarily reattach the crown using dental cement (available at pharmacies) or a small amount of toothpaste. Do not use super glue.
   
4. For lost fillings, dental wax or temporary filling material from a pharmacy can protect the area.
   
5. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
   
6. Schedule a dental appointment within a day or two.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms a pocket of pus around the tooth root or gums. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms of Dental Abscess:

• Severe, throbbing toothache
• Sensitivity to hot and cold
• Fever
• Facial swelling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Foul taste in mouth
• Pus drainage
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

Immediate Actions:

1. Rinse with warm salt water several times daily to help draw pus to the surface and reduce pain.
   
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage discomfort.
   
3. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face.
   
4. Seek dental care immediately – abscesses require professional drainage and antibiotics.

Never ignore a dental abscess. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the jaw, surrounding tissues, and even the bloodstream, leading to life-threatening complications.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums from bites, falls, or accidents can cause significant bleeding.

First Aid Steps:

1. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt water solution.
   
2. Apply pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth to the bleeding area for 10 to 15 minutes.
   
3. Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling and slow bleeding.
   
4. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, or if the injury is deep or gaping, go to a hospital emergency room.
   
5. Once bleeding stops, keep the area clean and avoid disturbing the wound.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

Food or debris lodged between teeth can cause discomfort and potential gum damage.

Safe Removal Steps:

1. Try gentle flossing to dislodge the object. Use a back-and-forth motion rather than snapping the floss down.
   
2. Use a water flosser if available, as it can dislodge stubborn particles.
   
3. Never use sharp objects like pins, toothpicks, or needles, as they can damage gums and teeth.
   
4. If unsuccessful, contact your dentist for safe removal.

Broken Orthodontic Appliances

Loose brackets, broken wires, or poking wires can be uncomfortable but are rarely true emergencies.

Temporary Fixes:

1. For poking wires, use the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire into a more comfortable position.
   
2. Cover sharp ends with orthodontic wax to prevent irritation.
   
3. For loose brackets, leave them in place and cover with wax if irritating.
   
4. Contact your orthodontist for a repair appointment.

When to Seek Emergency Care: If a piece of the appliance is swallowed or inhaled, or if there’s significant pain, trauma, or bleeding, seek immediate care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Q1: Should I go to the emergency room or a dentist for a dental emergency?
 For dental-specific issues like knocked-out teeth, severe toothaches, or lost fillings, contact an emergency dentist first. Go to the emergency room for jaw fractures, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or injuries involving other parts of the face or head.

Q2: How much do dental emergency services cost in Singapore?
 Emergency dental consultation fees typically range from SGD 150 to SGD 300, with additional costs for treatments. Costs vary depending on the nature and complexity of the emergency.

Q3: Can I use Medisave for dental emergencies?
 Medisave can be used for certain surgical dental procedures, including extractions of impacted wisdom teeth and complex oral surgeries. Check with your dentist about specific eligibility.

Q4: What should I include in a dental emergency kit at home?
 A dental emergency kit should contain: dentist’s contact information, gauze pads, small container with lid, pain relievers (ibuprofen, paracetamol), dental wax, temporary filling material, cold pack, salt, and clean cloth.

Q5: How can I prevent dental emergencies?
 Wear mouthguards during sports, avoid chewing hard objects, maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular dental check-ups, address dental issues promptly, and avoid using teeth as tools.

Q6: Is tooth pain always an emergency?
 Not all tooth pain is an emergency. Mild discomfort can often wait for a scheduled appointment. However, severe, persistent pain, especially with swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, requires immediate attention.

Q7: Can a knocked-out baby tooth be reimplanted?
 No, baby teeth should not be reimplanted. Contact your dentist to ensure no fragments remain and to assess any damage to underlying permanent teeth.

Q8: What if my child swallows a tooth?
 Swallowing a tooth is generally harmless and will pass naturally. However, if your child shows signs of distress, difficulty breathing, or choking, seek immediate medical attention.

Q9: How do I know if my toothache is infected?
 Signs of infection include severe pain, sensitivity, fever, facial swelling, bad taste in mouth, pus, and swollen lymph nodes. Any of these symptoms warrant immediate dental care.

Q10: Can I drink alcohol or smoke with a dental emergency?
 Avoid alcohol and smoking, especially with oral injuries or infections. Alcohol can interfere with blood clotting and medications, while smoking delays healing and increases infection risk.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies are preventable, taking proactive steps significantly reduces your risk:

Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene – Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use mouthwash to prevent decay and gum disease that can lead to infections and tooth loss.

Regular Dental Check-Ups – Visit your dentist every six months for professional cleanings and examinations to catch problems early.

Wear Protective Mouthguards – Always wear a custom-fitted mouthguard during contact sports, recreational activities, or if you grind your teeth at night.

Avoid Harmful Habits – Don’t chew ice, hard candies, popcorn kernels, or pen caps. Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles.

Address Dental Issues Promptly – Don’t ignore signs of cavities, loose fillings, or gum problems. Early treatment prevents emergencies.

Be Cautious with Food – Cut hard foods into smaller pieces, avoid sticky candies that can pull out fillings, and chew carefully.

Why Choose Atria-City Dental Group for Emergency Care?

When a dental emergency strikes, you need a dental team you can trust—one that’s experienced, compassionate, and ready to help.

Experienced Emergency Care – Our team has over 30 years of experience handling all types of dental emergencies, from simple to complex.

Comprehensive Services – From emergency extractions to tooth reimplantation and abscess treatment, we provide complete care under one roof.

Patient Comfort – We understand dental emergencies are stressful and painful. Our gentle approach and sedation options ensure your comfort.

Convenient Location – Located in the heart of Orchard Road at Ngee Ann City, we’re easily accessible when you need urgent care.

Advanced Technology – Digital X-rays, modern sterilization, and the latest treatment techniques ensure safe, effective emergency care.

Flexible Appointments – Contact us during office hours for same-day emergency appointments, or call our emergency hotline for after-hours guidance.

What to Do Right Now If You Have a Dental Emergency

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency:

1. Stay calm – Panic can worsen the situation.
2. Follow the first aid steps outlined in this guide.
3. Contact Atria-City Dental Group immediately at +65 6737 2777 during office hours or WhatsApp us at +65 8822 8590 for urgent assistance.
4. If it’s after hours and the situation is life-threatening (uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, severe facial trauma), go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Don’t wait—dental emergencies require prompt action. The sooner you receive professional care, the better your outcome.

---

For dental emergency care in Singapore, contact Atria-City Dental Group today. Call +65 6737 2777 or visit us at Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road. Our experienced team is here to help you through any dental emergency with expert care and compassion.

---