Emergency Dental Information

Toothaches in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME don’t follow office hours. Accidents don’t care about your schedule. Whether it’s a chipped tooth on a Saturday or a severe toothache in the middle of the night, dental emergencies can happen at any time, and knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference.
At Gentle Dental, we’re here when you need us most. This guide is designed to give you clear, practical steps to handle urgent dental issues until you can get professional care.
What Qualifies As A Dental Emergency?
Let’s clear up some confusion. Not every dental issue is an emergency, but here are the ones that should have you calling us right away:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cracked, broken, or chipped tooth with pain or exposed nerves
- Lost filling or crown causing sensitivity or pain
- Bleeding in the mouth that won’t stop
- Infection, swelling, or pus around the gums or jaw
- Injury to your mouth or jaw from trauma
If you’re not sure it’s an emergency, give us a call anyway. We’d rather talk you through it than have you suffer in silence or risk making the issue worse.
Immediate Steps For Common Dental Emergencies
Knowing how to respond in the first few minutes can protect your teeth and ease your discomfort. Here’s what to do:
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or remove any tissue. Try to place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saliva and call us immediately. Time is critical—seeing a dentist within an hour gives you the best chance of saving the tooth.2. Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water and floss gently to rule out trapped food. If the pain persists, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek and take over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums—it can cause burns.3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Rinse with warm water to clean the area. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces if you can, and bring them to your appointment.4. Lost Filling or Crown
If a crown falls out, try to slip it back on using dental cement (available at pharmacies) or toothpaste as a temporary fix. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until we can repair it.5. Abscess or Gum Infection
An abscess can be life-threatening if left untreated. You might notice a pimple-like bump, swelling, fever, or intense pain. Rinse with saltwater and call us right away.
When Should You Go To The ER Instead?
Some situations go beyond what a dental office can handle. Head to the nearest emergency room if:
- You’ve experienced serious facial trauma
- You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
- There’s uncontrollable bleeding
- You suspect a broken jaw
For everything else, your dentist is usually your best first call.
How To Prevent Dental Emergencies In The First Place
Not all emergencies can be avoided, but some smart habits go a long way:
- Wear a mouthguard during sports
- Never use your teeth as tools (seriously, don’t open bottles with them)
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or popcorn kernels
- Keep up with your routine cleanings and exams
- Treat small issues—like cavities—before they become big problems
Prevention may not be exciting, but it sure beats an unexpected trip to the dentist.
We’re Ready When You Need Us
Dental emergencies in Topsham ME and Biddeford ME can be stressful, painful, and scary, but you don’t have to go through them alone. At Gentle Dental, we offer same-day emergency appointments and fast, compassionate care when it matters most.
If you’re in pain or think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. Call us now. We’ll guide you through the next steps and make sure you get the relief and care you deserve.