Aug 18, 2025
Dental Emergency in Smyrna, GA: What to Do
By Dr. Natasha Kanchwala, DMD
Dental emergencies can happen at the most unexpected moments, causing pain, panic, and uncertainty. Whether it’s a sudden, severe toothache, a sports injury that knocks out a tooth, or a broken crown during dinner, knowing how to respond quickly is crucial for protecting your smile.
At Smyrna Dental Studio, Dr. Natasha Kanchwala and our compassionate team understand the stress that these situations can cause. This guide will walk you through the immediate steps to take for common dental emergencies, managing pain and preventing further damage until you can receive professional care.
What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency requires immediate attention to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or treat a serious infection. Contact us right away if you are experiencing:
Severe, persistent tooth pain
A knocked-out or partially dislodged tooth
A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth causing pain or sharp edges
An abscess (a pimple-like swelling on your gums)
Significant swelling in your face, jaw, or mouth
Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
A Step-by-Step Guide for Common Dental Emergencies
1. For a Severe Toothache
Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water.
Floss carefully around the tooth to dislodge any trapped food.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as it can burn the tissue.
Call us immediately, especially if you also have a fever or swelling. This could be a sign of a serious infection.
2. For a Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water.
Save any broken pieces of the tooth you can find.
Apply a cold compress to the affected area to minimize swelling.
Protect your tongue and cheek by covering any sharp edges with dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum.
Please contact our office to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
3. For a Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical. There is a high chance of saving the tooth if you act within the hour.
Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), NOT the root.
Rinse it gently with milk or water if it's dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
Reinsert it, if possible. Gently push the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth or gauze.
Store it properly if you can't reinsert it. Place the tooth in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Do not use plain water.
Get to our office immediately. Call us on your way.
4. For a Lost Crown or Filling
Save the crown or filling if you can find it.
Protect the exposed tooth. You can temporarily fill the space with dental wax. For a lost crown, you may be able to temporarily secure it with a dab of toothpaste or over-the-counter dental cement.
Avoid chewing on that tooth to prevent further damage.
Schedule an appointment to have the restoration professionally repaired or replaced.
Your Emergency Dental Questions Answered
Q1: Should I go to the emergency room (ER) or an emergency dentist? For most dental-specific emergencies, such as a broken tooth, lost crown, or toothache, an emergency dentist is your best option. We have the specialized tools and expertise to treat the root cause. You should go to the ER if you have uncontrollable bleeding, a suspected broken jaw, or severe swelling that is making it difficult to breathe or swallow.
Q2: Do you offer same-day emergency appointments in Smyrna? Yes. We prioritize dental emergencies and will make every effort to see you on the same day you call. Our primary goal is to alleviate your pain and address the immediate issue as quickly as possible.
Q3: What should I do if my dental emergency happens after hours? If you have an emergency outside of our regular office hours, please call our main office number for assistance. Our voicemail will provide clear instructions on how to reach our on-call team member for guidance and immediate help.
Q4: I’m very anxious about dental visits, especially in an emergency. How do you help? We understand that dental anxiety is real and is often heightened during an emergency. Our team, led by Dr. Kanchwala, is known for a kind and gentle approach. We will listen to your concerns, ensure you are completely numb and comfortable before any procedure, and focus on providing compassionate care to get you out of pain.
Stay Calm and Get the Expert Care You Need
In a dental emergency, the most important things to do are to remain calm, act promptly, and contact a professional. By following the steps above, you can manage the situation effectively and improve the chances of a successful outcome. The team at Smyrna Dental Studio is here to provide the urgent, compassionate care you need when the unexpected happens. Don't hesitate to reach out. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call our Smyrna office immediately for assistance and to schedule an appointment.
