What to Do During a Dental Emergency in Anchorage
A practical, step-by-step guide for handling toothaches, broken teeth, and knocked-out teeth before you reach the dentist.
Dental emergencies feel chaotic, but the first hour matters. Here's what to do while you call us and head over.
Severe toothache: rinse with warm salt water, floss gently around the tooth to remove anything trapped, and use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum.
Knocked-out tooth: pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and try to slip it back into the socket. If that's not possible, store it in milk and get to us within an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Broken or chipped tooth: save any pieces you can, rinse with warm water, and apply a cold compress for swelling. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum if needed.
Lost filling or crown: keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and call us. We can usually re-cement or replace it the same day.