A hit while playing padel, a toothache that appears in the early hours of the morning, or a tooth that breaks while biting ice on a terrace: dental emergencies come without warning, and they are even more frequent in summer, just when many clinics in Barcelona reduce their hours for holidays. At Clínica BLASI, we see these situations every day. Therefore, we have prepared this summary to help you react quickly, know when to visit a dental clinic, and when it is better to go directly to a hospital.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency: First Steps
Acting quickly and correctly in the first few minutes is what most influences the final outcome of the treatment.
First things first. Breathe and evaluate the situation. If you notice heavy bleeding, very intense pain, swelling with fever, or a hard blow to the jaw, these require urgent attention.
Control the pain with the painkiller your doctor or pharmacist usually recommends, respecting the indicated dosage.
Control the bleeding with clean gauze and gentle pressure for 10-15 minutes. If it doesn’t stop, it’s a major emergency.
Protect the affected tooth. If it has broken or completely fallen out (avulsion), locate the tooth or the fragments.
Apply cold (never heat) to the cheek to reduce swelling.
Call your dental clinic as soon as possible, even if the case doesn’t seem serious: the professional will determine the real urgency.
Maintain hygiene with a soft toothbrush until the visit, maintaining a soft and lukewarm diet.
How to Act in the Most Frequent Emergencies
Broken or fractured tooth
Rinse with warm water, apply cold, and, if you keep the fragment, store it in milk or saline solution. Visit the dentist even if the pain is mild: an internal fissure does not always hurt immediately.
Avulsed tooth (completely knocked out)
Time is money here! If your whole tooth has fallen out, always hold it by the white part (the crown), never by the root, rinse it without rubbing, and, if possible, gently reinsert it by biting on a gauze. If you cannot, transport it in cold milk or saline solution, never dry. The sooner you get to the clinic—ideally within the first hour—the greater the chances of saving the tooth. You have all the details in our article on what to do when faced with an avulsed tooth.
Severe toothache or dental abscess
Usually due to an infection or an abscess. Rinse with warm salt water, apply external cold, and avoid leftover antibiotics from other treatments: only a professional can prescribe them. If facial swelling or fever appears, do not wait.
Lost crown, cap, or filling
Keep the piece if you have it, cover sharp edges with dental wax temporarily, and avoid chewing on that side until the check-up. Never use household glues.
Dental emergencies in children
A baby tooth that falls out should not be reinserted, unlike a permanent one, because it could damage the tooth forming underneath. Stay calm in front of the child and go for a check-up even if the blow seems mild.
Dental Clinic or Hospital Emergency Room: How to Decide
Not every dental emergency requires a hospital. The difference lies in whether or not there is a real risk to the patient’s general health.
Go to a dental clinic when:
It involves a broken, chipped, or knocked-out tooth (avulsion).
The pain is caused by a cavity, an abscess, or wisdom teeth coming in.
A bracket or other orthodontic element has come loose and causes discomfort or small wounds.
Go to a hospital when:
There is displacement, fracture, or dislocation of the jaw.
There are deep wounds in the soft tissues of the mouth or face.
The swelling is very significant and does not subside with anti-inflammatories, or there is a high and prolonged fever.
There is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
When in doubt, the 061 CatSalut Respon is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to guide you to the most appropriate resource for your situation.
Dental Emergencies in Barcelona: When to Visit Clínica Blasi
At Clínica Blasi, in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, we have been caring for Barcelona families for over 25 years, and we know that a dental emergency doesn’t understand schedules or holidays. We assess each case as quickly as possible, whether the goal is to save the tooth or if, after the emergency, it is necessary to consider a permanent solution, such as a dental implant.
If a dental problem has arisen, do not wait for it to worsen: the sooner we act, the better the prognosis will be. You can visit us at C/ de Muntaner, 341, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08021 Barcelona, or call us at +34 934 146 404 to book an appointment.
