New Patients: (203) 457-3268Existing Patients: (203) 865-1480
Same-Day Emergency Appointments Available

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

This guide tells you exactly what to do for the most common dental emergencies while you arrange to see us. Bookmark this page — you never know when you'll need it.

Call for Same-Day Help: 203-457-3268

Step-by-Step Emergency Instructions

Follow these steps while you arrange to see us. Acting quickly can save your tooth and reduce pain.

Call Us Same Day

Severe Toothache

  1. Rinse with warm salt water
  2. Floss gently to remove trapped food
  3. Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain
  4. Do NOT place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum
  5. Call Divine Smiles at 203-457-3268 — tooth pain usually signals infection or decay
If you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to the emergency room immediately.
Call Within 30 Minutes

Knocked-Out Tooth

  1. Pick up the tooth by the crown (white part) — never touch the root
  2. Rinse gently with water if dirty — do not scrub
  3. Try to place it back in the socket and hold gently
  4. If you can't reinsert it, keep it in milk or between your cheek and gum
  5. Call us immediately at 203-457-3268 — the 30-60 minute window is critical
Speed is everything. The sooner we see you, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
Call Us Same Day

Broken or Cracked Tooth

  1. Rinse your mouth with warm water
  2. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  3. If bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze
  4. Save any tooth fragments in milk
  5. Avoid chewing on that side
  6. Call Divine Smiles at 203-457-3268 — we can often repair same day
Cracks can worsen quickly. Even if pain is mild, get it evaluated before the damage spreads.
Call Within 24-48 Hours

Lost Filling or Crown

  1. Save the crown if you find it
  2. Clean it gently and try to place it back temporarily
  3. Use dental cement or denture adhesive from a pharmacy to hold it
  4. Avoid chewing on that side
  5. Do NOT use super glue
  6. Call 203-457-3268 for proper re-cementing
An exposed tooth is vulnerable to sensitivity, further decay, and cracking. Don't wait too long.
Call Us Immediately

Dental Abscess

  1. Rinse with warm salt water several times a day
  2. Take OTC pain relievers as directed
  3. Do NOT attempt to lance or pop the abscess yourself
  4. Call Divine Smiles immediately at 203-457-3268 — this is a serious infection
Untreated abscesses can spread to the jaw, neck, and head. This is a medical emergency.
Assess Severity First

Soft Tissue Injury

  1. Rinse gently with warm water
  2. Apply pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding
  3. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
  4. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes, go to the ER
  5. Call 203-457-3268 to assess if dental treatment is needed
Minor cuts typically heal on their own. Significant bleeding or deep lacerations need immediate care.

When to Go to the Emergency Room

  • Facial swelling spreading to your eye or neck
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • High fever (over 101°F) with dental pain
  • Uncontrolled bleeding lasting 15+ minutes
  • Jaw is dislocated or won't close properly
  • Suspected broken jaw from trauma

Be Prepared Before an Emergency Happens

A little preparation now means faster care when it matters most.

Save Our Number

Add 203-457-3268 to your contacts now. When an emergency hits, you'll know exactly who to call.

Know Our Hours

Mon, Wed, Thu: 9am-5pm | Tue: 9am-7pm | Fri: 8:30am-2pm | Sun: 9am-4pm. Emergency calls answered 24/7.

Become a Patient

Establishing care before an emergency means faster treatment when you need it most. Call to schedule your first visit.

Contact Divine Smiles

Available 24/7 for urgent dental care in New Haven

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203-457-3268

24/7 Emergency Line

Existing Patients: 203-865-1480

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Location

New Haven Emergency Dental
1574 Chapel St
New Haven, CT 06511

Hours

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday: 9am – 7pm
Friday: 8:30am – 2pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 9am – 4pm
Emergency calls 24/7