🦷 10 Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them — By Dr. Aamir Rafiq
By: Dr. Aamir Rafiq the Best Dentists in Lahore at Dental Surgeons Clinic
Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them — whether it’s a sudden toothache at night, a chipped tooth during lunch, or an injury from a sports mishap. Knowing what to do in those crucial moments before you reach the dentist can save your tooth, reduce pain, and prevent further complications.
As (Dr. Aamir Rafiq), a practicing dental surgeon at one of the best dental clinics in Lahore, I often see patients who could have avoided further damage with some timely first aid. Here are 10 of the most common dental emergencies — and what you should do about them:
Dental Emergency #1 Severe Toothache
Symptoms: Constant throbbing, sensitivity to temperature, swelling.
What to do:
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Use dental floss gently to remove any trapped food.
Avoid applying aspirin directly to the gums (it can cause burns).
Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
📞 Call your dentist immediately, especially if swelling is present — it could be an infection.
Dental Emergency #2 Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
What to do immediately:
Hold the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
If dirty, rinse gently with water — don’t scrub.
Try to reinsert it into the socket.
If that’s not possible, place it in milk or a tooth preservation solution.
⏱ Time is critical — get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Dental Emergency #3 Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth
What to do:
Rinse mouth with warm water.
Save any broken pieces.
Apply a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling.
Avoid chewing on that side.
Even if it doesn’t hurt, a chipped or cracked tooth can worsen quickly — get dental care ASAP.
Dental Emergency #4 Lost Filling or Crown
What to do:
Save the crown or filling if possible.
Apply dental cement (available at pharmacies) or sugarless gum over the exposed area to protect it.
Avoid chewing on that side.
Book an appointment with your dentist to reapply or replace the restoration.
Dental Emergency #5 Abscess or Gum Infection
Symptoms: Swelling, pus, severe pain, fever, bad taste in mouth.
What to do:
Rinse with warm saltwater several times a day.
Take a pain reliever if needed.
Don’t ignore it — abscesses can be life-threatening if untreated.
🆘 See your dentist immediately. We handle such infections promptly at our clinic in Lahore.
Dental Emergency #6 Bleeding Gums or Mouth Injury
Causes: Trauma, aggressive brushing, gum disease.
What to do:
Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth.
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
If bleeding doesn’t stop in 15–20 minutes, seek urgent dental care.
Dental Emergency #7 Object Stuck Between Teeth
What to do:
Try gently removing it with dental floss.
Never use sharp tools like pins or knives.
If you can’t remove it, come see your dentist.
We provide gentle and safe removal of foreign objects at our dental clinic.
Dental Emergency #8 Jaw Injury or Suspected Fracture
What to do:
Immobilize the jaw.
Apply a cold compress to control swelling.
Go to the emergency room first — then see your dentist once stabilized.
Dental Emergency #9 Orthodontic Emergencies (Braces Issues)
Examples: Broken wires, loose brackets, poking metal.
What to do:
Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges.
Don’t try to fix it yourself.
Schedule an urgent visit with your orthodontist.
Our clinic also provides emergency orthodontic care in Lahore.
Dental Emergency #10 Tooth Sensitivity or Pain When Biting
What to do:
Avoid hot, cold, or sugary food/drinks.
Rinse with saltwater.
Use desensitizing toothpaste.
Persistent sensitivity may indicate a cracked tooth or cavity — come in for a full exam.
👩⚕️ When to Call the Dentist Immediately
Call your dentist right away if you experience:
Severe pain
Swelling in the face or jaw
High fever
Uncontrollable bleeding
A tooth knocked out or fractured
At Dental Surgeons clinic, we reserve emergency slots every day for urgent cases. We’re proud to be recognized as the best dental clinic in Lahore, trusted by hundreds of patients for fast, compassionate care.
📍 Need Emergency Dental Care in Lahore?
Whether you’re facing a toothache at midnight or dealing with a broken crown before a big event — we’re here to help.
👉 Book an emergency appointment with Dr. Aamir Rafiq, one of the best dentists in Lahore,
Call or Whatsapp Now: +92 300 414 7704
🌐 Visit our clinic website (replace with actual URL)
💬 Final Advice from Dr. Aamir Rafiq:
“The faster you act during a dental emergency, the better your chances of saving your tooth and avoiding complications. Don’t wait — contact your dentist right away.”