Dental emergencies almost never give warning: they hit on a Friday night, mid-weekend or right when it suits you worst. This quick guide helps you know what to do while you get to the clinic.

Severe toothache

Rinse with warm water, floss carefully in case there's trapped food and take the painkiller you normally tolerate. Do NOT put aspirin directly on the gum (it burns the tissue). If the pain is intense or throbbing, call us: it usually means the cavity has reached the nerve and needs treatment.

Abscess or swelling

An abscess (swelling with pus) is an infection and does NOT heal on its own. Apply cold on the outside, not heat. Don't burst it. You need assessment as soon as possible because the infection can spread. This is a real emergency.

Broken or chipped tooth

Keep the fragment if you can (in milk or saline). Rinse with warm water and avoid chewing on that side. Many fractures can be rebuilt if you come soon.

Tooth knocked out by a blow (avulsion)

This is the most time-sensitive emergency. Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it with saline without scrubbing and, if you dare, reimplant it in its socket and bite on gauze. If not, put it in milk and come immediately. Every minute counts.

A filling or crown fell out

It's usually not painful but should be fixed soon to prevent decay. Keep the crown if you have it and avoid hard foods on that side.

When is it a 'go today' emergency?

Severe pain that doesn't ease with painkillers
Facial or gum swelling (abscess)
Tooth knocked out by a blow (go within minutes)
Bleeding that won't stop after trauma
Fever associated with dental pain

We handle emergencies in central Granada

At MiD we rearrange the schedule to see you as soon as possible. Call us on +34 958 11 24 37 or message us on WhatsApp at +34 628 41 66 01, tell us what's wrong and we'll fit you in. We're at Calle Tablas 6, right in the centre. Don't wait until Monday for something that can get worse in hours.

First visit free