What to Do When You Need Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies can strike at the most unexpected times—whether it’s a sudden toothache in the middle of the night, a knocked-out tooth during a game, or a broken crown just before a big meeting. In these moments, panic is natural—but knowing what steps to take can make all the difference in saving your smile.

If you're in Reigate or the surrounding areas, Sona Dental is your go-to clinic for fast, compassionate, and effective emergency dental care. Here’s a complete guide on what to do when a dental emergency arises.

1. Recognise the Signs of a Dental Emergency

The first step is knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency. Not every dental issue requires urgent treatment, but some situations do. Seek emergency dental care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe toothache that won’t go away

• Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth

• Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth with pain or sharp edges

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after a dental injury

• Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw

• Dental abscess (a pocket of pus from infection)

• Lost crown or filling causing pain or sensitivity

2. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

It’s easy to panic, especially if there’s pain or bleeding involved, but staying calm can help you think clearly and take the right steps. Ask yourself:

• Is there bleeding? Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.

• Is a tooth knocked out? Try to locate and preserve it.

• Are you in intense pain? Over-the-counter pain relief may help temporarily.

Once you’ve stabilised the situation as best you can, contact a trusted emergency dentist—like the team at Sona Dental in Reigate—for guidance and a same-day appointment if necessary.

3. What to Do for Specific Dental Emergencies

Each dental emergency is different, and your response should be tailored to the type of injury. Here's how to manage the most common situations:

➤ Knocked-Out Tooth

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root)

• Rinse it gently with milk or saline (don’t scrub)

• Try to place it back in the socket, if possible

• If not, store it in a container of milk or inside your cheek

➤ Toothache

• Rinse your mouth with warm water

• Floss to remove any food stuck between teeth

• Take a pain reliever like ibuprofen (avoid aspirin directly on gums)

• Do not apply heat to the area

• Schedule a visit to identify and treat the underlying issue

➤ Broken or Cracked Tooth

• Rinse your mouth with warm water

• Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling

• Cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugarless gum

• See an emergency dentist right away

➤ Lost Filling or Crown

• Keep the crown if it has fallen off

• Apply dental cement (from a pharmacy) as a temporary fix

• Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth

• Visit your dentist to restore the structure properly

4. Avoid Home Remedies

In a moment of desperation, you might be tempted to try home remedies or "hacks" found online. Be cautious—many of these can do more harm than good. Avoid:

• Superglue or adhesive to reattach crowns

• Placing aspirin directly on gums

• Using sharp tools to remove stuck objects

• Delaying treatment hoping the problem will resolve itself

5. Why Sona Dental Is the Best Choice for Emergency Dental Care

Located conveniently in Reigate, Sona Dental is known for its compassionate care, advanced equipment, and fast response to dental emergencies. Here's why patients trust us:

• Same-Day Appointments for emergencies

• Experienced dentists who handle all urgent dental issues

• Modern facilities to diagnose and treat efficiently

• Friendly staff who ease anxiety during stressful moments

6. Preventing Future Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies can be avoided, you can reduce the risk by:

• Wearing a mouthguard during sports

• Avoiding hard foods that can crack teeth

• Seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups

• Addressing small issues before they become big problems

7. How to Reach Us in an Emergency

If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t delay. Call Sona Dental immediately to book a same-day visit and receive expert care when you need it most.

Final Thoughts

Dental emergencies can be frightening—but with the right steps and support from trusted professionals like Sona Dental, you can protect your smile and get relief fast. Knowing what to do, staying calm, and seeking immediate care will help you recover quickly and avoid long-term issues.