Top 10 Dental Emergencies and How to Manage Them at Home Before Visiting a Dentist in Lagos
In a city like Lagos where stress, traffic, and unpredictable expenses are part of the everyday hustle, a sudden toothache or dental injury can feel like the final straw. You might be stuck in third mainland traffic or midway through a wedding jollof when your tooth decides to misbehave. Dental emergencies can be painful, shocking, and outright inconvenient, especially in a place as dynamic and busy as Lagos.
But knowing what to do at home before you get professional care can save your smile—and your sanity. In this article, we break down the top 10 dental emergencies, how to handle them at home, and why reaching out to a trusted dental clinic in Lagos like Platinum Dental Surgery can make all the difference.
Severe Toothache
A toothache isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. It can range from a dull, lingering throb to a sharp, unbearable pain. In Lagos, where self-medication is common, many people chew painkillers or use street remedies that only mask the pain instead of treating it. Since this the most common dental emergency, we have full article on how to manage it at home. read How to Manage Toothache at Home (So You Don’t Cry in Lagos Traffic)
What causes toothache emergencies?
- Tooth decay or cavity
- Infected dental pulp
- Gum disease
- Cracked tooth or filling
How to manage toothache emergencies at home:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
- Floss gently to remove trapped particles
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek
- Avoid aspirin directly on the tooth—it can burn the gum
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your toothache emergency:
Platinum Dental Surgery offers same-day emergency dental care. Our experienced dentists will get to the root of the issue—literally—without trial and error. With clinics in Ketu, Ikeja, and Lagos Island, you won’t have to travel across the entire state with a pounding jaw.
Cracked or broken tooth
A cracked or broken tooth can happen suddenly, often from biting something hard like roasted corn or falling during a danfo rush. The pain might be immediate or develop over time if the inner nerves are exposed.
What causes cracked or broken tooth emergencies?
- Biting hard foods (bones, ice)
- Accidents or trauma
- Tooth grinding (bruxism)
How to manage cracked or broken teeth at home:
- Rinse with warm water
- Use gauze if there’s bleeding
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Save any tooth fragments if possible
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your cracked or broken tooth emergency:
We offer tooth restoration solutions like dental bonding and crowns using advanced technology, so you won’t have to explain to everyone why you’re smiling like someone who just came out of a boxing ring.
Knocked-out tooth (avulsion)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most dramatic dental emergencies. Quick action can actually save the tooth. It often occurs from contact sports, falls, or unexpected elbow strikes from children.
What causes knocked-out tooth emergencies?
- Sports injuries
- Physical altercations
- Slips or falls
How to manage a knocked-out tooth at home:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root)
- Rinse gently without scrubbing
- Try placing it back in the socket if possible
- Keep it in milk or saliva if reinsertion isn’t possible
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your knocked-out tooth emergency:
Timing is key for knocked-out teeth. Our team at Platinum Dental Surgery is trained in dental trauma management. We’ve saved dozens of smiles with fast reinsertion and root canal options.
Lost dental filling or crown
It’s a scary feeling when you suddenly feel part of your tooth come off while eating. Without a filling or crown, the tooth is vulnerable to infection, pain, or further damage.
What causes lost dental filling or crown emergencies?
- Wear and tear of fillings or crowns
- Biting hard foods
- Underlying decay
How to manage lost fillings or crowns at home:
- Keep the crown or filling if you can find it
- Rinse your mouth
- Avoid eating on that side
- Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the area temporarily
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your lost dental filling or crown emergency:
We offer custom-fit crowns and long-lasting fillings. No long queues, no outdated methods. Just clean, efficient dentistry.
Abscessed tooth (Dental infection)
An abscessed tooth can cause severe pain, swelling, and even fever. It’s a dangerous infection that can spread quickly if not treated. This is a serious dental emergency that requires professional attention.
What causes abscessed tooth emergencies?
- Untreated cavities
- Gum infections
- Tooth trauma
How to manage an abscessed tooth at home:
- Rinse with saltwater multiple times daily
- Use a cold compress for swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relief
- Avoid hot or cold foods
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your dental infection emergency:
Platinum Dental Surgery doesn’t play with infections. We have advanced diagnostic tools to treat abscesses and prevent the spread of infection to other areas like the jaw or brain. Yes, untreated dental infections can become life-threatening.
Swollen gums
Swollen gums are usually a sign of deeper oral issues, from gingivitis to abscesses. Ignoring them could lead to tooth loss or infection.
What causes swollen gum emergencies?
- Gingivitis
- Gum abscess
- Poor oral hygiene
- Vitamin deficiency
How to manage swollen gums at home:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Avoid irritating foods like peppery suya or hot amala
- Gently brush and floss
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your swollen gum emergency:
We provide periodontal care that targets the root of gum issues. Our cleanings and deep scaling can restore your gum health before things get worse.
Broken braces or wires
Braces do wonders for your smile, but broken wires or brackets can cause serious discomfort and injury inside your mouth.
What causes broken braces emergencies?
- Chewing hard foods
- Accidental impact
How to manage broken braces at home:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges
- Avoid moving the wire further
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your braces emergency:
Our in-house orthodontists know how to fix braces properly and painlessly. We also guide you on foods to avoid while wearing them.
Tooth sensitivity
That sharp pain from taking cold water or sweet food? That’s sensitivity, and it can become unbearable if ignored.
What causes tooth sensitivity emergencies?
- Worn enamel
- Cavities
- Exposed tooth roots
How to manage tooth sensitivity at home:
- Use desensitising toothpaste
- Avoid very hot or cold foods
- Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your sensitive tooth emergency:
We don’t just treat sensitivity—we investigate the cause. From applying fluoride treatments to sealing exposed areas, our solutions are long-lasting.
Wisdom tooth pain
Wisdom teeth often grow at odd angles or get trapped in the gum, causing swelling, stiffness, and infection. When they start acting up, it can be hard to even open your mouth.
What causes wisdom tooth pain emergencies?
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Infection
- Lack of space in the jaw
How to manage wisdom tooth pain at home:
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Use ice packs
- Take anti-inflammatory pain relief
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your wisdom tooth emergency:
We provide expert surgical removal of wisdom teeth with minimal downtime. We also educate you on what to expect post-removal.
Bleeding gums after flossing or brushing
Seeing blood after brushing or flossing? It may seem minor, but it’s often a sign of gum inflammation or early gum disease.
What causes bleeding gum emergencies?
- Gingivitis
- Poor brushing technique
- Vitamin C deficiency
How to manage bleeding gums at home:
- Brush with soft toothbrush
- Rinse with saltwater
- Increase intake of vitamin C-rich fruits like orange and pawpaw
Why choose Platinum Dental Surgery for your bleeding gum emergency:
We don’t just treat symptoms—we diagnose and stop the progression of gum disease. Our team will help you build better oral habits that prevent bleeding gums in the future.
Your dental emergency doesn’t have to turn into a dental disaster.
Reach out to us at Platinum Dental Surgery when any of these issues pop up. We are fully equipped, highly experienced, and always ready.
Our locations:
- Ketu: 106, Aladelola Street, Ikosi Ketu, Lagos
- Ikeja: 107A Opebi Road, Ikeja
- Lagos Island: 183 Massey Bamgboshe Street, Lagos Island
Call us now:
📞 0803 373 8471 | 0916 442 6114
🌐 www.platinumdental.com.ng
Because in Lagos, it’s not just about treating teeth—it’s about keeping your smile ready for the hustle.
