Emergency Dental Care Tips: What to Do When You Can't Reach Your Dentist

Heather E. Martinson, DDS • February 20, 2025

The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that about 2 million people in the U.S. visit emergency rooms for dental pain each year.

Sadly, you might sometimes not have access to emergency dental services. Maybe it's late at night, you're traveling, or your dentist is unavailable.

In these moments, panic sets in. Pain makes it hard to think, and quick fixes can do more harm than good.

Take a deep breath. Following the right steps can ease discomfort and prevent further damage. Here's what to do when you have a dental emergency but can't reach your dentist.

Manage Pain

Toothaches are among the most common dental problems. They can happen anytime but often strike late at night when getting dental care is challenging.

The pain can be mild or severe. It can come from cavities, gum infections, or dental abscesses. If you're experiencing this problem, try these remedies:

Rinse with warm salt water
Floss gently
Take pain medicine
Use a cold compress
Avoid hot or cold foods

While these solutions can help, they are only temporary. Even if the pain stops, the problem may still be there. You may still need to see a dentist to check your teeth to prevent future pain or infection.

Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth

Prompt action is necessary for a knocked-out tooth. Immediately pick up the tooth by the top, not the root.

If it is dirty, gently rinse it with saline solution or milk without scrubbing. Avoid using tap water, as this may harm the root.

If possible, try to reposition the tooth in its original socket. Gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If you can't reinsert it, store it in balanced salt water, milk, or saliva.

Search for a dentist offering same-day dental appointments to increase your chances of saving the tooth. Quick treatment can help reattach the tooth, prevent infection, and restore function. The longer you wait, the smaller the chances of successful reimplantation.

Control Bleeding

Bleeding in the mouth can happen for many reasons. You may have injured your gums, lost a tooth, or bitten your tongue. Gum disease and infections can also cause bleeding.

It may look scary, but you can control it with the right approach. If you are bleeding, try:

Rinsing with cold water
Applying gentle pressure with gauze
Holding pressure for 10 minutes
Using a cold compress
Avoiding touching the area

Even if these remedies help, you still need urgent dental care to prevent further problems.

Cover a Lost Filling or Crown

A missing filling or crown can expose your tooth, causing pain and sensitivity. An unprotected tooth is also at risk for more damage or infection. Acting fast can help prevent further problems.

Try placing the crown back on using temporary dental cement from a drugstore. If you can't find the crown, place dental wax or sugar-free gum over the exposed tooth.

This protects it from bacteria and reduces discomfort. Avoid chewing on that side to prevent cracks or breakage. Applying clove oil can also help numb the pain.

Manage Swelling and Infections

Swelling often starts as mild gum redness and tenderness. At first, it may not seem serious. You might think it will go away on its own.

But ignoring it can lead to severe pain and infection at the worst time. If you find yourself in this situation, try:

Rinsing with warm saltwater
Applying a cold compress for 15 minutes
Taking over-the-counter pain medicine
Staying upright to reduce swelling

These actions can ease discomfort, but they won't cure the problem. If swelling worsens or you develop fever, chills, or trouble breathing, go to a dental ER immediately.

Manage a Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can be painful and sharp, making it hard to eat or talk. Rinse your mouth with warm water to remove dirt and bacteria. A cold compress can help reduce swelling and numb the area.

Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover any sharp edges and protect your tongue and cheeks. Avoid chewing on the damaged tooth to prevent further breakage.

An emergency dentist can repair the tooth and stop the infection. Seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid more complications.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

If you suspect an infection, a rinse containing hydrogen peroxide can help kill bacteria and reduce swelling. It may provide temporary relief and help clean the affected area.

Combine equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and water, then rinse your mouth with the mixture for approximately 30 seconds. Never swallow it - spit it out immediately.

Rinsing can remove bacteria but won't cure an infection. Use it once or twice, but avoid overuse, as it can irritate your gums.

An untreated infection can spread and become dangerous. Even if the rinse helps, professional dental care is necessary. A dentist needs to treat the infection before it worsens.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated helps your body heal and fight infections. It also keeps your mouth clean by flushing out bacteria. Dehydration can make pain and swelling worse, slowing the healing process.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid sugary or acidic drinks, as they can irritate sensitive teeth.

If you have swelling or pain, sip on warm water to soothe discomfort. Hydration is especially important if you have a fever or infection.

Water supports your body's natural defenses. Even if you're not thirsty, keep drinking to help your mouth heal faster.

Elevate Your Head When Sleeping

Sleeping with your head elevated can help with tooth pain or swelling. Keeping pressure off the affected area may reduce discomfort and prevent the problem from worsening.

Use extra pillows
Avoid lying flat
Sleep on your back
Keep your neck supported

These minor adjustments can make a big difference. Proper positioning may help you rest better and reduce swelling overnight.

Expert Emergency Dental Services in Arlington, TX

When a dental emergency strikes, you need fast, expert care. At Heather E. Martinson Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide top-quality emergency dental services in Arlington, TX.

Dr. Heather Martinson has over 25 years of experience and believes in conservative treatments that protect your smile. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures the best results for you and your family. Check out our dental services to learn more about us and what makes us stand out.

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.