Call our office today to schedule your appointment!

Dental Emergencies

Emergency decorative image

During office hours, immediate attention will be given to your situation, and you will be seen as soon as possible. After office hours, please give the office a call and follow the instructions provided. Your call will be returned as soon as possible.

If you are experiencing a serious or life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.

Below are instructions for handling minor dental emergencies.

In the case of a toothache...

Gently clean the area around the tooth by rinsing the mouth with warm water and gently flossing to remove any particles that may be lodged in the tissue around the tooth. If the pain continues, or if the area around the affected tooth is warm, please call our office to schedule an appointment.

If a lip, gum, cheek, or tongue gets cut...

Apply ice to help reduce swelling and apply pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop any bleeding. If the bleeding continues, call your physician or visit your local emergency room.

If a baby tooth gets knocked out...

Please call our office to schedule an appointment.

If a permanent tooth gets knocked out...

Call our office right away and take these steps.

  1. Do not touch the tooth root, but hold the tooth by the crown and gently rinse the tooth with water.
  2. Place the tooth back into the socket as quickly as possible and bite down on clean gauze to hold it in place.
  3. If the tooth cannot be placed in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva and bring it with you to your appointment.
If a tooth gets chipped or broken...

Gently rinse the area with lukewarm water and place a cold compress on the face to reduce swelling. If you can locate the piece of the broken tooth, place the piece in milk, and bring it with you to the office. If more than half of the tooth is broken off, please call us immediately.


What helps tooth pain at home?

If you're experiencing tooth pain at home, try rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and clean the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can also help manage discomfort. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can reduce swelling as well. Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods until you're able to get to our office. While these tips can bring temporary relief, it's important to schedule an appointment with Dr. Desai to find the root cause of your tooth pain.

My gums are swollen; is that an emergency?

Swollen gums can be a sign of gum disease, infection, or irritation from food particles or dental appliances. While it's not always an emergency, it should be taken seriously—especially if you're experiencing pain, bleeding, or pus. If the swelling is severe or sudden, or if it's paired with a fever or difficulty swallowing, contact us right away. We'll evaluate your symptoms and recommend the right treatment to keep your smile healthy.

Should I use a hot or cold compress for a toothache?

A cold compress is usually the better choice for a toothache. Applying a cold pack to the outside of your cheek can help reduce swelling and numb the area, offering temporary relief. Avoid using heat, as it can sometimes worsen inflammation or spread infection. If your pain persists or gets worse, call our office. Toothaches are often a sign of a deeper issue that requires professional treatment.

Contact our office today to schedule your appointment!

Schedule an Appointment
New Patient Specials
4913 Rufe Snow Dr., Ste. 104
North Richland Hills,TX 76180
Appointment Request
First Name
Last Name
Sending