--- title: "Dental Emergency Guide: What To Do and Who To Call" description: "What counts as a dental emergency, first steps for a knocked-out, cracked or painful tooth, when to call 911 or go to an ER, and how to reach our office." url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/dental-emergency-guide publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- # Dental Emergencies: What Counts, What To Do First, and Who To Call A dental emergency is a mouth problem that needs care right away, such as uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain that medicine does not ease, or a knocked-out tooth. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call your dentist. Town Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday. GuideUpdated October 26, 20268 min read 1. 1 ## Breathing trouble means 911 Cleveland Clinic says to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing with a tooth infection. 2. 2 ## Keep a knocked-out tooth moist The ADA says to keep a knocked-out permanent tooth moist at all times and get to your dentist right away. 3. 3 ## One hour matters Cleveland Clinic says a dentist has the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth when it goes back in the socket within one hour. 4. 4 ## Office days Town Center Dental is open Monday to Thursday and closed Friday to Sunday. If trouble starts when the office is closed, use an emergency room. ## What counts as a dental emergency? A dental emergency is a problem in your mouth that needs care right away. Cleveland Clinic says that if you have bleeding that will not stop, pain that does not get better with medication, or broken facial bones, you need emergency care. A knocked-out tooth and a badly cracked tooth also fall in this group. Not every dental problem is an emergency. A small chip or crack with no pain can usually wait for a regular appointment. Cleveland Clinic says it is okay to wait until your dentist can see you in that case. You should still call and ask. The table sorts common problems by urgency. It is a guide, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure, call your dentist and describe what is happening. Problem Urgency First step Trouble breathing or swallowing with a tooth or face problem Call 911 or go to an emergency room now Do not wait for a dental appointment Swelling below the eye or a knot on the jaw Emergency room, per Cleveland Clinic Go now Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit with tooth pain Emergency room, per Cleveland Clinic Go now Bleeding that will not stop Emergency room Press on the spot with clean gauze Knocked-out permanent tooth Dentist right away, or an emergency room Keep the tooth moist Badly cracked or broken tooth Dentist as soon as possible Rinse, save pieces, use a cold pack Severe pain Dentist as soon as possible Call and describe it Lost filling or loose crown Dentist as soon as possible Cover or protect the area Small chip with no pain Regular appointment, but call Smooth sharp edges with wax if needed ## When should you call 911 or go to an emergency room? Go to an emergency room, or call 911, if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. Mayo Clinic says to go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing with a tooth abscess. Cleveland Clinic says to call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room for difficulty breathing or swallowing, and for a fever, chills, or nausea and vomiting with a gum abscess. Cleveland Clinic also lists these signs for an ER visit when you have a toothache: - Swelling below your eye or a knot on your jaw - Unbearable tooth pain that does not get better with medication - Bleeding that will not stop with applied pressure - A fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit A tooth infection can spread. Cleveland Clinic says an abscess left untreated may cause swelling of the face or jaw and could spread to other parts of the body. Do not wait to see if symptoms go away when you have any of these signs. ## What does the ER do, and what does it not do? Emergency room staff can treat pain and infection. Cleveland Clinic says they can give medicines such as antibiotics or pain relievers. The ER does not perform restorative treatments such as fillings or crowns. After an ER visit, you still need a dentist. Call your dentist’s office when it opens, tell them what happened, and bring any papers or medicine names the ER gave you. The dentist will examine the tooth and talk with you about next steps. ## Should you go to the dentist, urgent care or the ER? Start with your dentist when the office is open. Cleveland Clinic says the first thing to do in a dental emergency is call your dentist for instructions. Most injuries, such as a broken or knocked-out tooth, are treated in the dentist’s office. If you do not have a dentist, Cleveland Clinic says to go to an urgent care center or your nearest emergency room. The choice depends on how bad the problem is and what time it is. Situation Where to start Office is open and the problem is dental Call your dentist and describe it Office is closed and the problem is severe Nearest emergency room Trouble breathing or swallowing at any hour Call 911 or go to an emergency room Broken facial bones Emergency room, per Cleveland Clinic No dentist and a milder problem Urgent care or a dentist’s office when it opens ## What should you have ready when you call? A clear description helps the team decide how fast to see you. The ADA says to call your dentist and give as much detail as possible about your condition. Try to answer these questions before you dial: - What happened, and when did it happen? - Where is the pain, and how strong is it on a scale of 1 to 10? - Is there swelling, bleeding or a fever? - Is a tooth loose, broken or missing, and do you have the piece? - What medicines have you taken, and what are your allergies? - Are you able to open your mouth, swallow and breathe normally? Write the answers down if you can. Have your insurance card and a list of your medicines nearby. If the office asks you to come in, ask whether to bring the broken piece, the crown, or the tooth in milk. ## What if the injury is to your lip, tongue or cheek? Clean the area and press on it. The ADA says to clean a bitten tongue or lip gently with water and apply a cold compress. For bleeding, Cleveland Clinic says to press a piece of clean cotton gauze on the area, and the bleeding should stop within 15 to 20 minutes. If bleeding is still heavy after that, Cleveland Clinic says to seek immediate care. Go to an emergency room if you cannot control it. Deep cuts and injuries with broken teeth in the wound also need a professional look. ## What should you do first for a knocked-out tooth? Act quickly and keep the tooth moist. The ADA says to keep a knocked-out permanent tooth moist at all times, and to try placing it back in the socket without touching the root if you can. If that is not possible, put it between your cheek and gums, in milk, or in a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then get to your dentist right away. Cleveland Clinic gives more detail. Hold the tooth by the crown, the part you normally see, and rinse the root with water. Do not scrub it. Cleveland Clinic says a dentist has the best chance of saving the tooth when it is returned to its socket within one hour. Here are the steps in order: 1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown only. 2. Rinse the root gently with water. Do not scrub or remove attached tissue. 3. If you can, place it back in the socket facing the right way. Never force it. 4. If you cannot, keep it in milk or a tooth preservation product. 5. Call your dentist right away, or go to an emergency room if you cannot reach one. These steps are for adult teeth. For a baby tooth, call a dentist for advice. A [knocked-out tooth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/avulsed-tooth-knocked-out-tooth) needs prompt care, so do not delay the call. ## What should you do for a cracked or broken tooth? Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold pack to your face. The ADA says to rinse right away to clean the area and to use cold compresses to keep swelling down. Cleveland Clinic adds that you should save and rinse any broken pieces, and that gauze can help if there is bleeding. See your dentist as soon as possible. Cleveland Clinic says a crack can open the door for bacteria to reach the tooth pulp and cause an abscess. Our guide on [cracked, chipped and broken teeth](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cracked-chipped-tooth) explains repair options. ## What if you have a bad toothache or swelling? Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove trapped food. The ADA says not to put aspirin on the aching tooth or gums. Cleveland Clinic says over-the-counter pain relievers can be used while you wait for a dentist, and a cold pack outside the cheek can reduce swelling. If the pain is severe, or if you have swelling or fever, call your dentist or go to an emergency room. A [dental abscess](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-abscess) is a pocket of infection that needs treatment. Read more in our [toothache guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/toothache-causes-and-relief). ## What about a lost filling or a loose crown? These need a dentist, but they are usually not as urgent as the problems above. Cleveland Clinic says to stick sugarless gum in the cavity of a lost filling, or use an over-the-counter dental cement. For a broken crown or bridge, make an appointment as soon as possible and bring the restoration with you. Avoid chewing on that side. Tell the office you have a [lost filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/lost-filling) or loose crown when you call. ## How do you reach Town Center Dental, and what about weekends? Town Center Dental is at 2426 Taylor Road, Wildwood, MO 63040. The office hours are Monday to Wednesday 8am to 5pm and Thursday 8am to 4pm. The office is closed Friday to Sunday. The phone number is (636) 273-5866. The practice says Dr. Jon Copeland and Dr. Stephanie Copeland leave time open for emergency appointments. Call as early in the day as you can and describe what happened. The team will tell you what to do next. See the [contact page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/contact) for the office details. If trouble starts on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, or after hours, the office is closed. This website lists no after-hours number. Cleveland Clinic says to go to the nearest emergency room if your dentist’s office is not open when pain develops. ## How can you lower the chance of an emergency? Some emergencies are avoidable. The ADA suggests three habits: wear a mouthguard when you play sports or take part in recreation, avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, and use scissors, never your teeth, to cut things. Regular exams also help. A dentist can find a small cavity or a worn filling before it hurts. If you play sports, ask about a [sports guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/sports-guard). ## Next step Learn how the practice describes its own care on the [emergency dentistry page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/emergency-dentistry). During office hours, call (636) 273-5866 or [request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment). If symptoms are severe, do not wait for the phone: go to an emergency room. ## Frequently asked questions ### What could be a dental emergency? Cleveland Clinic says bleeding that will not stop, pain that does not get better with medication, and broken facial bones need emergency care. A knocked-out tooth, a badly cracked tooth, and a swollen face with fever also count. A small chip with no pain can usually wait for a regular appointment. ### Is there a 24-hour emergency dentist in St. Louis? We cannot speak for other offices. Town Center Dental is open Monday to Thursday and closed Friday to Sunday, and this website lists no after-hours number. Cleveland Clinic says that if your dentist is closed when tooth pain develops, you should go to the nearest emergency room. ### Can I use an emergency dentist if I already have a dentist? Yes. The ADA says most dentists keep time in their day for emergency patients, so call your own dentist first. If your dentist is closed or you cannot reach anyone and you have severe symptoms, go to an emergency room. Tell your dentist afterward so they can plan follow-up care. ### Can I see an emergency dentist on a Sunday? Town Center Dental is closed on Sunday. If you have severe pain, swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to an emergency room. Cleveland Clinic says the ER can give antibiotics or pain relief but does not do fillings or crowns, so you will still need a dentist. ### What do I do if my tooth gets knocked out? For a permanent tooth, the ADA says to keep it moist and, if you can, place it back in the socket without touching the root. If not, hold it between your cheek and gums or in milk. Then get to your dentist right away. Call ahead so the office can prepare. ## Terms on this page - [Cavity (dental caries)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/cavity-dental-caries) - [Dental emergency](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-emergency) - [Dental abscess](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-abscess) - [Gums (gingiva)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/gums-gingiva) - [Dental cement](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-cement) - [Broken crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/broken-crown) - [Lost filling](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/lost-filling) - [Sports guard](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/sports-guard) - [Tooth pulp](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-pulp) - [Toothache](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/toothache) ## Sources 1. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (what counts)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 2. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (when the office is closed)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 3. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (what the ER can do)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 4. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (knocked-out tooth)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 5. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (handling the tooth)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 6. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (broken crown)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 7. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (lost filling)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 8. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (minor chip)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 9. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (soft tissue bleeding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 10. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (abscess)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 11. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (knocked-out tooth)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 12. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (cracked tooth)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 13. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (toothache)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 14. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (where to go)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 15. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (emergency time)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 16. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (prevention)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 17. [Cleveland Clinic: Periodontal Abscess (911)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24573-periodontal-abscess) 18. [Mayo Clinic: Tooth abscess (emergency room)](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901) 19. [Cleveland Clinic: Toothache (ER signs)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache) 20. [Cleveland Clinic: Toothache (fever)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache) 21. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (untreated abscess)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 22. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (what the ER gives)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 23. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (cold compress)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 24. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (broken pieces)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 25. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (never force)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 26. [Cleveland Clinic: Toothache (pain relievers)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10957-toothache) 27. [Cleveland Clinic: Cracked Tooth (bacteria)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21628-fractured-tooth-cracked-tooth) 28. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (replant)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 29. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (storage)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 30. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (cold compress)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 31. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (floss)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 32. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (hard foods)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 33. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (scissors)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 34. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (call first)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 35. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (no dentist)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 36. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (treated in office)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 37. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (facial bones)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 38. [Cleveland Clinic: Dental Emergencies (minor bleeding)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11368--dental-emergencies-what-to-do) 39. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (call with detail)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) 40. [ADA MouthHealthy: Dental Emergencies (tongue or lip)](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/dental-emergencies) Written by Town Center Dental and checked against the sources above on October 26, 2026. Dental guidance changes, so check the linked page, and ask your dentist about your own care. ## Keep reading - [Toothache: Why Does My Tooth Hurt, and What Can I Do Until I See a Dentist?A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Common causes are cavities, a cracked tooth, gum disease, grinding and infection. Home care such as a warm saltwater rinse and a cold pack may ease mild pain for a short time. A true toothache needs a dentist, and fever, swelling or trouble breathing needs an emergency room.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/toothache-causes-and-relief) - [Swollen Face and Tooth Abscess: When It Is an EmergencyA swollen face with tooth pain can mean a tooth abscess, an infection that can spread. Call 911 or go to an emergency room for trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling in the neck or under the jaw. With a fever and facial swelling, go to the ER if you cannot reach your dentist.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/swollen-face-and-tooth-abscess-when-it-is-an-emergency) - [Cracked, Chipped or Broken Tooth: What Repair Fits Each Break?A chip is a piece of enamel that breaks off. A crack is a break that runs through the tooth. Repair depends on size and depth, from polishing or bonding to a crown, root canal or removal. Rinse, save any pieces, use a cold pack, and call your dentist. Pain, swelling or fever needs prompt care.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/cracked-chipped-tooth) - [Emergency Dentist or Urgent Care or ER? Where to GoCall your dentist first for most dental emergencies. Go to an emergency room, or call 911, for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that spreads to the neck, a fever with facial swelling, bleeding that will not stop, or serious facial injury. Urgent care is an option if you have no dentist.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/emergency-dentist-or-urgent-care-or-er) - [Dental Emergency on a Weekend in West St. Louis CountyTown Center Dental is closed Friday to Sunday and does not offer weekend care. For trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling around the neck or under the jaw, call 911 or go to an emergency room. For other dental problems, use the first-aid steps below and call the office when it opens Monday.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/blog/dental-emergency-on-a-weekend-in-west-st-louis-county) - [Your Child's First Dental Visit: When To Start, What To Expect, and When Teeth Come and GoThe ADA and the AAP say to schedule your child's first dental visit after the first tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Most visits are short. The dentist checks the teeth and gums, talks about cleaning and habits, and plans future check-ups. Baby teeth start to come in around 6 months.](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/childs-first-dental-visit) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)