Dental emergencies: what to do in case of pain, a broken tooth, or swollen or bleeding gums?

Dental emergencies can occur at any time: toothache , broken tooth , swollen gums , bleeding , abscess or dental infection .

In this article, Semailles Dental explains when to consult quickly , what you can do at home , and how to react before your appointment .

1. When does a dental emergency require immediate consultation?

For your safety, contact a dentist immediately if you experience:

• Severe, persistent dental pain (lasting more than 24–48 hours)

• Broken or cracked tooth

• Abscess , swollen gums or presence of pus

• Swollen face

• Significant or persistent bleeding from the gums

• Trauma after a shock or a fall

• Crown or filling that fell out

• Extreme sensitivity to heat or cold

At Semailles Dental, we always keep appointments available for emergencies. Contact us as soon as symptoms appear.

2. Toothache (dental pain)

Tooth pain can be related to deep decay, infection, a crack, or inflammation.

What to do at home?

• Take a suitable pain reliever : Dafalgan/Paracetamol (if you are not allergic).

• Avoid ibuprofen in case of significant swelling , unless advised by a doctor.

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe the inflammation.

• Avoid chewing on the painful side.

• Apply cold to the outside of the cheek (never heat).

When to call?

Call immediately to make an appointment: it is always better to check that there is nothing serious rather than letting the pain worsen or reach a stage where conservative treatment would no longer be possible.

3. Broken or cracked tooth

This is one of the most frequent emergencies.

What should you do immediately after breaking a tooth?

• Retrieve the fragment if possible. Preserve it in milk or saliva .

• Gently rinse your mouth with lukewarm water.

• Avoid touching the area with your tongue or fingers.

• If you experience pain, take paracetamol (if you are not allergic).

• Apply something cold to the cheek if swelling occurs.

When to call?

• Immediately : a broken tooth must be assessed quickly to avoid complications (inflammation, infection, loss of vitality).

4. Swollen or bleeding gums

Swollen , bleeding, or hot gums may indicate :

• an infection,

• gingivitis,

• periodontitis,

• a gingival abscess.

What to do at home?

• Brush gently, even if it bleeds.

• Don't hesitate to use dental floss or an interdental brush.

• Stop smoking.

When to call?

• If the swelling appears suddenly.

• If the bleeding becomes frequent.

• If the pain increases.

5. Dental abscess or infection

An abscess is a serious infection that requires prompt treatment.

Warning signs:

• Throbbing pain

• Swelling of the gums or face

• Pus

• Bad smell or taste

• Fever

What to do?

• Take paracetamol (if you are not allergic).

• Never take antibiotics without a prescription.

• Apply cold.

• Contact a dentist immediately.

  
  

An infection can worsen rapidly. Never wait.

6. Crown, filling, or appliance that is coming loose

Not always painful, but urgent to avoid a fracture or infection.

What to do?

• Keep the fallen item (crown, inlay, appliance).

• Avoid chewing on the affected side.

• Rinse the tooth with lukewarm water.

• Do not re-cement yourself.

When to call?

• As soon as possible: the sooner the crown is put back on, the better its chances of staying in place.

7. Trauma after a blow or a fall

Children and adults can lose or dislodge a tooth after an impact.

What should you do if a tooth has completely fallen out (avulsion)?

• Retrieve the tooth by the crown (never the root).

• Rinse briefly with saline solution.

• Replace the tooth in its socket if possible .

• Alternatively, preserve it in milk or saliva.

• Consultation in less than 60 minutes .

Don't forget: it is essential to report the accident so that your accident insurance can intervene and cover the necessary care.

8. When should I call Semailles Dental?

Call immediately if you experience:

• severe pain

• swelling,

• fever,

• broken tooth

• significant bleeding

• trauma.

We will offer you an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Conclusion: Never let a dental emergency worsen.

A toothache, a broken tooth, swollen gums, or an abscess always requires prompt evaluation . At Semailles Dental , we welcome you for emergency care to relieve pain, stop infection, and protect your smile.