Dental Emergencies: What to Do and When to Call Your London, KY Dentist

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—a fall, a sports injury, a sudden toothache, or a broken crown. Knowing what to do in the moments after a dental emergency can make a difference in protecting your oral health. At Dr. Jeremy W. Allen and Dr. Anna McCowan Jones Family Dentistry in London, KY, we want our patients to be prepared. This guide covers common dental emergencies, what to do at home, and when to call us.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Some emergencies are urgent but not life-threatening, while others require emergency medical care.

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:

• Uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop with pressure
• Swelling that interferes with breathing or swallowing
• Severe facial trauma or suspected jaw fracture
• Signs of a serious infection, such as high fever with facial swelling

Call our office at 606-330-0330 for dental emergencies such as:

• Severe toothache or sudden dental pain
• Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth
• Lost filling or crown
• Dental abscess or suspected infection
• Injury to the lips, tongue, or gums

Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. If a permanent tooth is knocked out:

• Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
• Gently rinse the tooth with water if it is dirty. Do not scrub or remove attached tissue.
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. If that is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in milk or between your cheek and gums.
• Call us immediately at 606-330-0330. Time is critical—ideally, the tooth should be reimplanted within 30 minutes.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can be caused by tooth decay, an infection, a cracked tooth, or other issues. To manage pain while you wait for an appointment:

• Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
• Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove any trapped food.
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to help reduce swelling.
• Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the label.
• Call our office to schedule an emergency appointment.

Do not place aspirin directly on the gum tissue, as this can cause chemical burns.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water and save any broken pieces if possible. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and call our office. We will assess the damage and recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include bonding, a crown, or other restorative options.

Lost Filling or Crown

If a filling or crown falls out, the tooth may be sensitive and vulnerable to further damage. Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. If possible, save the crown—you may be able to temporarily reattach it with dental cement from a pharmacy. Call our office as soon as possible to have it repaired or replaced.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Not all emergencies can be prevented, but some precautions may help reduce your risk:

• Wear a mouthguard during contact sports and recreational activities.
• Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, and other hard objects that can crack teeth.
• Never use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
• Maintain regular checkups so we can identify and address weak or damaged teeth before they become emergencies.

We Are Here When You Need Us

If you or a family member experiences a dental emergency, do not hesitate to call us at 606-330-0330. Our team will do our best to see you as quickly as possible. For life-threatening situations, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Dr. Jeremy W. Allen and Dr. Anna McCowan Jones Family Dentistry
908 West 5th Street, Suite 114, London, KY 40741
Phone: 606-330-0330

For dental emergencies, call 606-330-0330. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911.