Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency involves injury or damage to the teeth, gums, or surrounding oral structures that requires immediate professional attention. Often, these emergencies are the result of dental trauma, which can affect not only the teeth but also the supporting tissues—including the gums, jawbone, lips, cheeks, and tongue.

What Causes Dental Trauma?

Dental trauma can occur in a variety of situations. Common causes include:

  • Accidents (e.g. falls or motor vehicle collisions)

  • Sports-related injuries

  • Physical violence or direct blows to the face

Regardless of the cause, prompt dental care is essential to improve the outcome and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?

If you or your child experiences a dental emergency, it is important to seek professional care immediately. If our clinic is closed, please proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.

In many cases, receiving dental treatment within the first hour can significantly increase the likelihood of saving a damaged or knocked-out tooth.

If possible, follow these steps while waiting to see a dental professional:

  • Retrieve any tooth fragments or knocked-out teeth

  • Store them in cold milk or saliva—do not use water

  • Contact your dentist as soon as possible

Specific Types of Dental Trauma

Knocked-Out Primary (Baby) Tooth

  • Do not attempt to reinsert the baby tooth.

  • Bring your child to the dentist as soon as possible for an evaluation.

  • In the meantime, keep your child calm and offer reassurance.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

  • Locate the tooth and hold it by the crown (the top part), not the root.

  • If dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline—avoid scrubbing.

  • If you can, place the tooth back into its socket. Otherwise, store it in milk or saliva and see a dentist immediately.

  • Remember, time is critical—the sooner the tooth is reinserted, the better the outcome.

Fractured Tooth

  • Recover any broken fragments and inspect the tooth for pulp exposure (a visible red or pink dot).

  • Contact the dentist urgently if pulp is exposed.

  • If not, it may not be an emergency—but your child should still be seen as soon as possible for appropriate care.

When in Doubt, Reach Out

Dental emergencies can be distressing, especially for children. Our team at Lattouf Dental is here to provide calm, compassionate, and prompt care. Early intervention is key to minimizing pain, protecting your smile, and ensuring long-term dental health.