Dental Emergency Guide: What to Do Right Now
A calm, step-by-step guide for the most common dental emergencies — what to do in the first few minutes, and when to call. When in doubt, call us and we'll help you decide. Same-day care Mon–Thu.
When to skip the dentist and call 911
Most dental problems are not life-threatening — but a few are. Go to the emergency room or call 911 right away if you have any of these:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing. Swelling that affects your airway is a medical emergency.
- Rapidly spreading swelling of the face, jaw, or neck. Especially if it's pushing toward your eye or throat, or you have a high fever.
- Serious facial trauma or uncontrolled bleeding. From a fall, accident, or blow to the face — get evaluated in the ER.
For everything else — pain, broken teeth, lost crowns, most swelling — call us at (254) 848-2722 and we'll get you in. Below is what to do while you wait.
Knocked-out tooth
An adult tooth that's been knocked out has the best chance of being saved if it's back in place within 30 minutes. Move quickly and gently.
- Pick it up by the crown, not the root. The crown is the white part you chew with. Don't scrub it or remove any tissue.
- Rinse it gently if dirty. A quick rinse with milk or saline — a few seconds only, no scrubbing.
- Try to put it back in the socket. Hold it in place by biting on clean gauze or a soft cloth.
- If you can't reseat it, keep it moist. Place it in milk (or hold it inside your cheek). Don't let it dry out — and don't store it in water.
- Call us immediately. Say it's a knocked-out tooth so we treat it as urgent. (254) 848-2722
Severe toothache
A throbbing or constant toothache usually means infection or an exposed nerve — and it rarely fixes itself. Here's how to stay comfortable until you're seen.
- Rinse with warm salt water. Half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water can ease the area.
- Floss gently around the tooth. Sometimes trapped food is the culprit — remove it carefully.
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever. Follow the label. A cold compress on the cheek also helps.
- Don't put aspirin on the gum. It can burn the tissue. And avoid very hot or cold foods on that side.
- Call if pain is severe or lasts more than a day. Especially with swelling or fever. (254) 848-2722
Broken or cracked tooth
A broken or cracked tooth can worsen fast — small cracks turn into splits. Caught early, many can be saved with a filling, crown, or root canal.
- Stop chewing on that side. Pressure deepens the crack and can split the tooth.
- Rinse gently with warm water. It cleans the area and eases sensitivity.
- Save any broken pieces. Keep them moist and bring them with you.
- Cold compress for swelling. 20 minutes on, 20 off, against the cheek.
- Call us — don't wait. The sooner we see it, the more likely we save the tooth. (254) 848-2722
Lost filling or crown
When a filling or crown comes out, the tooth underneath is exposed and vulnerable. It's usually not painful — but protect it and have it re-secured soon.
- Save the crown if you have it. We can often re-cement it — bring it to your appointment.
- Keep the area clean. Rinse with warm water and avoid chewing on that side.
- Protect the exposed tooth. A dab of temporary dental cement from the pharmacy can cover it short-term. Don't use household glue.
- Ease sensitivity. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods until it's repaired.
- Call to get it re-secured. The longer it's open, the higher the risk of decay or a break. (254) 848-2722
Abscess or facial swelling
An abscess is an infection that needs treatment — it won't clear on its own. Signs include a pimple-like bump on the gum, a bad taste, throbbing pain, or swelling in the face or jaw.
- Rinse with warm salt water. A few times a day to ease discomfort and help draw out infection.
- Don't pop or squeeze the bump. That can spread the infection. Let us treat it properly.
- Manage pain and watch the swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief helps. Note if swelling is spreading.
- Call us promptly. An infection can spread, so this is treated as urgent. (254) 848-2722
- Go to the ER if it's spreading fast — or you have trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever. Don't wait for office hours.
Bleeding after an extraction
A little oozing for the first day after a tooth is removed is normal. Here's how to control it and protect the clot that helps you heal.
- Bite firmly on clean gauze. Steady pressure for 30–45 minutes. Replace it if it soaks through.
- Try a moist tea bag. If gauze isn't enough, bite on a damp black-tea bag — the tannins help it clot.
- Rest and keep your head up. Avoid heavy activity, and prop your head up when lying down.
- Protect the clot. No spitting, straws, smoking, or vigorous rinsing for 24 hours — they can dislodge the clot.
- Call if heavy bleeding won't stop after an hour of pressure. (254) 848-2722
Common questions
How fast can I be seen?
Call us and we'll do everything we can to see you the same day during office hours (Mon–Thu, 8am–4pm). Dental emergencies are treated as urgent.
What if it happens after hours or on the weekend?
Use the first-aid steps above to stay comfortable, then call us when we open and we'll prioritize you. If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, go to the ER or call 911.
Will treatment hurt?
We numb the area fully before anything, and oral sedation is available if you're anxious. Most patients are surprised how comfortable it is.
Can my tooth be saved?
Often, yes — especially if you come in early. When a tooth can't be saved, Dr. Maupin can extract and replace it with an implant in-house, so you're already with the right dentist.
What will it cost?
It depends on the treatment, and we'll give you an honest estimate before we start. We accept most major insurance and offer financing.
Not sure what to do? Just call.
Describe what's happening and we'll tell you the next step — and get you seen today.
Call (254) 848-2722Open Mon–Thu, 8am–4pm · 27487 Highway 84, McGregor, TX
Right here in McGregor
- Address
- 27487 Highway 84, McGregor, TX 76657
- Phone
- (254) 848-2722
- Hours
- Mon–Thu 8am–4pm · Fri by appointment