ambulance with tooth for dental emergency dental emergencies Murfreesboro, TN

Emergency Dentist in Murfreesboro & Smyrna: What To Do in the First 60 Minutes

January 26, 2026 9:00 am

In a dental emergency, the first hour matters. Whether it’s sudden pain, a broken tooth, or swelling after a fall, what you do right away can affect comfort, outcome, and even the chances of saving a tooth.

At Salem Creek Family Dental in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Ashley Costello and Dr. Alaina Skidmore see how quickly acting — or delaying care — can change what comes next. This guide explains what to do in the first 60 minutes after a dental injury or urgent symptom begins: when to handle things at home, when to seek same‑day dental care, and what signs mean you should call right away.

Step One: Stay Calm and Assess What Happened

Accidents happen — a misstep jogging, a hard bite on popcorn, a sports collision. In the first moments, take a breath and look at what you’re dealing with:

Is a tooth chipped, cracked, loose, or out?
Is there bleeding inside the mouth?
Is the pain sharp and sudden, or dull and persistent?
Is swelling present?

Your body responds to injury in predictable ways. Noticing what’s going on helps you decide how urgently you need care.

Clean the Area — Gently

Rinse your mouth with warm water. This clears debris and gives you a better view of the injury. You can use clean, damp gauze to apply gentle pressure to any bleeding spots.

Avoid vigorous rinsing or poking around with your tongue or fingers; that can aggravate soft tissues and make bleeding worse.

Manage Discomfort While You Prepare to Get Help

Pain can vary widely — from sharp and intense to a dull throb. In the first hour:

Try rinsing with warm salt water.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face in 10‑minute intervals to reduce swelling.
If you normally take ibuprofen or acetaminophen and have no medical contradictions, take as directed for pain relief.
Do not put pain relievers directly on a tooth or gum.

What to Do If a Tooth Is Knocked Out

A knocked‑out tooth is one of those time‑sensitive situations where the first minutes make a big difference, especially for permanent (adult) teeth.

Locate the tooth if you can.
Handle it only by the crown (not the root).
Rinse it gently with water if dirty — do not scrub or use soap.
Try to reinsert it into the socket if you’re comfortable. Hold with gauze or cloth.
If not, keep it moist in milk or saliva.
Get to the dentist within the hour.

Note: Baby teeth should not be reinserted — but the child should still be evaluated.

Cracked or Broken Teeth: What to Do First

Rinse your mouth gently.
Avoid chewing on the affected side.
Use warm salt water to soothe and clean the area.
Save any broken pieces you find.

Even if there’s no pain, a crack can worsen. Call your dentist promptly.

Swelling or Persistent Pain? Don’t Wait to Call

If swelling or pain is increasing, these could be signs of deeper issues like infection, inflammation, or internal trauma. Early intervention makes a big difference.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Bleeding

Cuts or lacerations inside the mouth can bleed heavily. Rinse and apply steady pressure with gauze or a clean cloth.

If bleeding lasts more than 10–15 minutes, or if you’re unsure how deep the cut is, contact your dentist right away. Soft tissue damage near teeth sometimes affects bone or ligament support.

Same‑Day Dental Care vs Urgent Care or ER

Same‑Day Dental Care Is Most Helpful For:

Knocked‑out permanent teeth
Cracked, fractured, or loose teeth
Persistent or severe tooth pain
Broken crowns or fillings
Gum injuries involving teeth

Urgent Care or ER Is More Appropriate For:

Head trauma or concussion
Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop
Fever with swelling or signs of infection
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you’re unsure, call — the dental team can help direct you.

Getting In Touch With Salem Creek Family Dental

Dental emergencies don’t always follow office hours. At Salem Creek Family Dental, we can often accommodate same‑day or next‑available visits. Dr. Ashley Costello and Dr. Alaina Skidmore will guide you on what to do, what to bring, and how soon to come in.