Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. A sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth can cause pain, anxiety, and uncertainty. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a significant difference—not only in relieving discomfort but sometimes in saving a tooth.

At her Henderson, Nevada practice, Marielaina Perrone, DDS, provides prompt emergency dental care for patients experiencing unexpected dental injuries, infections, and severe pain. While some situations require immediate treatment, taking the right steps before arriving at the dental office can improve the outcome and help prevent additional damage.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental problem requires immediate treatment, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.

You should contact your dentist promptly if you experience:

• Severe or persistent tooth pain
• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A cracked or broken tooth with pain
• Significant facial swelling
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop
• A dental abscess or swelling around a tooth
• A lost crown or filling causing pain
• Trauma to the teeth or jaw
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing related to dental swelling

When in doubt, it’s always safer to call your dentist for guidance.

Severe Toothache

Persistent tooth pain often signals an underlying problem such as:

• Deep decay
• Infection
• Cracked tooth
• Inflamed dental nerve
• Gum infection

What You Should Do

• Rinse with warm water.
• Gently floss around the tooth.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed.
• Apply a cold compress if swelling is present.
• Contact your dentist immediately.

What You Should NOT Do

• Don’t place aspirin directly on the gums.
• Don’t ignore pain that lasts longer than a day.
• Don’t wait for swelling to develop.

Knocked-Out Tooth

This is one of the few true dental emergencies where time is critical.

A permanent tooth has the greatest chance of being saved if it is reimplanted within 30–60 minutes.

What You Should Do

• Pick up the tooth by the crown—not the root.
• If dirty, gently rinse with water.
• If possible, place it back into the socket.
• If not, store it in cold milk or a tooth preservation solution.
• See your dentist immediately.

What You Should NOT Do

• Don’t scrub the root.
• Don’t let the tooth dry out.
• Don’t delay treatment.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken tooth may expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth.

What You Should Do

• Save any broken pieces.
• Rinse your mouth with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Schedule an emergency dental appointment.

Small chips may not require immediate treatment, but larger fractures should always be evaluated.

Lost Crown or Filling

A missing restoration leaves the underlying tooth vulnerable.

What You Should Do

• Keep the crown if possible.
• Avoid chewing on that side.
• Brush gently.
• Contact your dentist promptly.

Temporary dental cement available at most pharmacies may provide short-term protection until your appointment.

Dental Abscess

An abscess is a serious bacterial infection.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe throbbing pain
• Swelling
• Bad taste
• Fever
• Pus drainage

This condition should never be ignored.

What You Should Do

• Rinse with warm salt water.
• Contact your dentist immediately.
• Seek emergency medical care if swelling affects breathing or swallowing.

Injuries to the Lips, Tongue, or Gums

Soft tissue injuries often bleed heavily because of the excellent blood supply in the mouth.

What You Should Do

• Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze.
• Use a cold compress.
• Rinse gently with salt water.

If bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, seek emergency medical care.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

Hospital emergency rooms are appropriate if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial trauma involving broken bones
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Rapidly spreading facial swelling
• High fever associated with dental infection

Most dental emergencies, however, are best treated by a dentist.

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

Keeping a few supplies at home can make unexpected situations easier to manage.

Consider having:

• Sterile gauze
• Dental floss
• Small container with lid
• Temporary dental cement
• Cold packs
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (if appropriate)
• Your dentist’s phone number readily available

Preparation helps reduce stress when emergencies occur.

Dr. Perrone’s Perspective

“One of the biggest mistakes I see is waiting too long. Dental problems rarely improve on their own, and prompt treatment often means simpler treatment, less discomfort, and a better chance of saving the tooth. If you’re ever unsure whether something is an emergency, call us—we’re always happy to guide you.”
— Marielaina Perrone, DDS

Why Patients Choose Marielaina Perrone, DDS for Emergency Dentistry

Dental emergencies are stressful enough without wondering where to turn.

Patients throughout Henderson and the Las Vegas area appreciate Dr. Perrone’s:

• Same-day emergency appointments whenever possible
• Conservative treatment philosophy
• Gentle, compassionate care
• Comprehensive diagnosis
• Modern digital technology
• Personalized treatment plans

Our priority is getting you comfortable while preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a toothache always a dental emergency?

Not always, but persistent or severe pain should be evaluated promptly because it often indicates an underlying problem.

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Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Yes. The sooner it is reimplanted—ideally within 30 to 60 minutes—the greater the chance of success.

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Should I go to the emergency room for a broken tooth?

Most broken teeth are best treated by a dentist unless there is significant facial trauma or uncontrolled bleeding.

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What should I do if my crown falls off?

Keep the crown, avoid chewing on that side, and contact your dentist as soon as possible.

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Can a dental abscess go away on its own?

No. Dental abscesses require professional treatment and should never be ignored.

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How can I reduce the risk of dental emergencies?

Regular examinations, professional cleanings, wearing a sports mouthguard, and treating small dental problems early greatly reduce the risk of emergencies.

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Emergency Dental Care in Henderson, NV

Dental emergencies are stressful, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, prompt treatment can help relieve pain, protect your oral health, and even save your natural tooth.

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact Marielaina Perrone, DDS as soon as possible. Our team is committed to providing compassionate, timely emergency dental care to patients throughout Henderson and the surrounding Southern Nevada communities.

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Medically Reviewed By

Marielaina Perrone, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery | Cosmetic, Restorative & Emergency Dentist
Henderson, Nevada

Dr. Marielaina Perrone has provided comprehensive dental care since 1999 and has extensive experience treating dental emergencies, traumatic dental injuries, cracked teeth, infections, and restorative dental conditions. She is committed to evidence-based emergency care that emphasizes prompt diagnosis, pain relief, and preserving natural teeth whenever possible.

Updated: July 2026

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About the Author

Marielaina Perrone, DDS is an award-winning family, cosmetic, and restorative dentist serving Henderson, Green Valley, Anthem, Seven Hills, Inspirada, Las Vegas, and surrounding Southern Nevada communities. A graduate of Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine, she combines decades of clinical experience with a calm, patient-centered approach to emergency dental care. Her philosophy focuses on relieving pain quickly, preserving healthy teeth whenever possible, and helping patients feel informed and comfortable during unexpected dental situations.