Is it a dental emergency or a hospital emergency?
Most dental problems — toothache, a chipped tooth, a lost filling — need a dentist soon, but not a hospital. Some situations, however, need urgent medical care first.
If you have severe facial swelling, swelling spreading to the eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or a head or facial injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112.
Swelling with fever, or swelling that is getting quickly worse, also needs prompt attention the same day.
What should I do if an adult tooth is knocked out?
A knocked-out permanent (adult) tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies where minutes matter. The sooner it goes back in, the better the chance it can be saved.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or clean water for a few seconds. Do not scrub it, use soap, or wrap it in tissue.
- If you can, gently push it back into the socket the right way round and bite on a clean cloth to hold it.
- If that isn't possible, keep it moist — in a cup of milk, or in the person's mouth next to the cheek if they are old enough not to swallow it. Don't let it dry out.
- See a dentist immediately, ideally within 30–60 minutes.
What if a child's milk tooth is knocked out?
Do not put a knocked-out milk tooth back in, as it can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Control bleeding by having the child bite gently on clean gauze or cloth, and see a dentist to check for other injuries. If you're not sure whether a tooth is a milk tooth or an adult tooth, keep it in milk and call a dentist straight away.
How do I manage a bad toothache until I see a dentist?
Toothache is usually a sign of decay, a cracked tooth, gum infection or an inflamed nerve, and it needs a dentist to find the cause. Until then:
- Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss to remove any food trapped between teeth.
- Hold a cold compress against the outside of the cheek for short periods if there is swelling.
- Never place a tablet against the gum or tooth — it can burn the gum.
- Use only pain relief that a doctor, dentist or pharmacist has said is suitable for you.
- Avoid very hot, cold or sweet food on that side.
What should I do if a tooth chips or breaks?
Rinse your mouth with warm water and keep any broken pieces in milk or a clean container — sometimes they can be bonded back. A cold compress helps with swelling. A small chip with no pain can usually wait a day or two; a large break, a break with pain, or a break where you can see pink or red in the centre needs a dentist the same day.
What if a filling or crown falls out?
Keep the crown safe and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean. The exposed tooth may be sensitive. Don't try to glue a crown back with household adhesives. Book a visit soon: an unprotected tooth can break or decay further.
What about bleeding after a tooth extraction?
Some oozing for the first day is normal. Fold clean gauze, place it over the socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes without checking. Avoid rinsing hard, spitting, smoking or using a straw, which can dislodge the clot. If bleeding is heavy or doesn't slow after repeated pressure, contact your dentist; if it's severe, go to a hospital emergency department.
Emergency dental care in Parel, Mumbai
Dr Smile Dental Care in Bhoiwada, Parel sees same-day tooth pain and dental emergencies during clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 AM to 2 PM and 4 PM to 8 PM. Sunday by appointment only. Call or WhatsApp +91 99309 08548 before you come so you can be fitted in. On Sunday, patients are seen by appointment only — call or WhatsApp to ask for a Sunday appointment, and for anything severe, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112.
Key takeaways
- Severe swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a facial injury → hospital emergency or 112.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: hold by the crown, rinse briefly, replant or store in milk, see a dentist within the hour.
- Never replant a milk tooth.
- Never put a tablet on the gum for toothache.
- Keep broken pieces and lost crowns and bring them to the dentist.
When should you see a dentist?
- Same day: toothache, a broken tooth, a lost crown with pain, or swelling
- Immediately: a knocked-out adult tooth
- Hospital first: facial swelling spreading to the eye or neck, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, head injury
If you have severe facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a facial injury, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112.
Common questions
Often, if it is an adult tooth that is put back or kept in milk and seen by a dentist quickly — ideally within 30–60 minutes. The longer it is out and dry, the lower the chance.
If the swelling is severe, spreading to the eye or neck, or you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, go to a hospital emergency department or call 112. Milder swelling needs a dentist the same day.
Sunday visits are by prior appointment only: call or WhatsApp +91 99309 08548 to ask for one. For anything severe, go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 112.
A small chip without pain usually isn't urgent but should be checked within a few days. A large break, pain, or a visible pink spot in the tooth needs a dentist the same day.
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Published by Dr Smile Dental Care, Parel. This guide is general information for patients and is not a substitute for an examination by a dentist. Last updated 31 October 2026.