What to Do in a Dental Emergency in Johnson City, TN

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them and can quickly turn your day upside down. When pain, swelling, or injury occurs, quick action can make a big difference in saving a tooth and easing discomfort.

Your first step in a dental emergency is to call Lawson Hoover DDS at (423) 900-2720 to review same-day appointment availability.

Severe Toothache

A severe toothache can be more than just discomfort. It may be a sign of decay, infection, trauma, or another dental problem that needs attention.

Rinse gently with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek if there is swelling. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, and do not ignore pain that continues or worsens.

Broken Tooth

If you break a tooth, try to save any pieces you can find. Rinse your mouth gently with warm water and avoid chewing on that side until you are evaluated.

A broken tooth may need a filling, crown, extraction, or other treatment depending on the size and location of the fracture. Call our office as soon as possible so we can help you review the next step.

Lost Crown or Filling

A lost crown or filling can leave the tooth sensitive or exposed. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may help protect the area until you can be seen.

Avoid sticky, hard, or crunchy foods, and try not to chew on that side. Call us soon so the tooth can be evaluated and restored properly.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time matters. Hold the tooth by the crown, which is the part normally visible in the mouth, and avoid touching the root.

If possible, place the tooth in milk or keep it moist. Call our office immediately because there is often only a short window, usually around 30 to 60 minutes, where saving the tooth may be possible.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection that may cause swelling, fever, bad taste, drainage, or persistent pain. This should not be ignored.

Call the office the same day if you notice swelling, worsening pain, or signs of infection. If swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing, eye area, or you feel severely ill, seek emergency medical care right away.

Soft Tissue Cuts

Cuts to the lips, cheeks, gums, or tongue can bleed heavily. Apply clean gauze with firm pressure and rinse gently with warm salt water once bleeding slows.

If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure, the cut is deep, or there was significant trauma, go to the emergency room or call for guidance.

When to Call Same Day vs. When to Wait

Call the same day if you have:

• Severe toothache that will not go away

• Swelling in the face, gums, or jaw

• Broken tooth causing pain or sharp edges

• Knocked-out permanent tooth

• Lost crown or filling with pain or sensitivity

• Fever, drainage, or signs of infection

• Bleeding that will not stop

It may be okay to wait if you have:

• Mild sensitivity that comes and goes

• Small chip with no pain

• Slight gum irritation without swelling

• Minor discomfort that improves

• Routine cleaning or cosmetic concerns

If you are unsure, it is always safer to call and ask. Lawson Hoover DDS is here to help patients in Johnson City, Boones Creek, and the surrounding Tri-Cities area with emergency dental concerns and general dental care.

For dental pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or another urgent concern, call (423) 900-2720 to review appointment availability.

New patients are welcome.