Dental emergency: what to do now
Severe tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth or a knocked-out tooth needs quick care. Call or WhatsApp us. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday emergency appointments are on call at +91 98840 15026.
What counts as a dental emergency
- Severe tooth pain that does not settle with painkillers
- Swelling of the gum, face or jaw, including around a wisdom tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- A broken or cracked tooth
- Bleeding that does not stop after an extraction
- A lost crown or filling with pain
What to do until you see us
- Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the top (crown), not the root. Rinse gently, keep it in milk, and come in as soon as you can.
- Broken tooth: keep any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and use a cold pack on the cheek.
- Tooth pain: take a painkiller you normally use, as directed on the pack. Do not put tablets on the gum.
- Bleeding: bite firmly on clean gauze for 20 minutes.
- Swelling: use a cold pack on the outside of the face.
Go to a hospital emergency department if
- Swelling is making it hard to breathe or swallow
- Swelling is spreading towards the eye or neck
- You have a high fever with facial swelling
- You had a head injury or heavy bleeding
How we can help
Call us first so we can tell you what to do and when to come in. We examine the tooth, take an X-ray if needed, ease the pain and explain your options. See also toothache: what to do.
Common questions
Is the clinic open on Sunday?
The clinic is closed on Sunday, but emergency appointments are on call. Please call +91 98840 15026.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Sometimes, if it is put back quickly. Keep it in milk and come in as soon as possible.
Need urgent dental help?
Message Dr S. Barath Kumar on WhatsApp or call the clinic to book a visit.
Gentle Touch Dental Clinic · U 74, New No 58, 5th Main Road, Anna Nagar, Chennai 600040 (near Tower Park). Monday–Saturday: 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Sunday: closed; emergency appointments on call at +91 98840 15026. Get directions.
This page is general information and not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist for advice about your own teeth.
More dental care guides
Toothache: what to do
Home care steps, warning signs and when to see a dentist.
Read the guide →Root canal: what to expect
Each step of root canal treatment, number of visits, crown and aftercare.
Read the guide →Preventive dentistry
Check-ups, professional cleaning and everyday home care.
Read the guide →Periodontics (gums)
Bleeding gums, gum disease, scaling and deep cleaning.
Read the guide →Cosmetic dentistry
Teeth whitening, veneers and smile makeovers that look natural.
Read the guide →Endodontics
Root canal treatment, microscopic RCT and retreatment of failed root canals.
Read the guide →Geriatric dentistry
Dental care for older adults: dry mouth, root decay, dentures and caregiver tips.
Read the guide →Treatment costs
Approximate prices for consultation, cleaning, root canal, crowns, implants and braces.
See the costs →