When it comes to your teeth, not every ache means an emergency. But how do you know when that tooth pain or broken crown deserves an urgent trip to the dentist? Understanding what counts as a dental emergency can save your smile—and your health.
In this post, we’ll break down the 7 most common dental emergencies, how to recognize them, and what to do if one strikes.
1. Severe Toothache That Won’t Go Away
A persistent, throbbing toothache is more than a nuisance—it can be a sign of infection or abscess. If the pain keeps you up at night, comes with swelling, or worsens with temperature changes, don’t wait. Seek emergency dental care.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is everything. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, you have about 30–60 minutes to save it. Pick it up by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and place it in milk or your mouth until you can get to a dentist.
3. Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Small chips can often wait, but a cracked or broken tooth with pain or exposed nerves needs urgent care. Leaving it untreated can lead to infection or further damage.
4. Swelling in the Face or Jaw
Swelling may indicate a serious infection, especially if it’s accompanied by fever or difficulty breathing/swallowing. It could be life-threatening, so treat it as an emergency.
5. Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop
While mild gum bleeding during flossing isn’t unusual, heavy or persistent oral bleeding (especially after trauma or dental work) is a red flag. Apply gentle pressure and see a dentist immediately.
6. Lost or Loose Dental Work
Losing a filling, crown, or bridge can expose sensitive areas of the tooth, making it vulnerable to decay or further breakage. If it’s causing pain or affects how you bite or chew—get it checked ASAP.
7. Signs of Infection (Abscess)
An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. Symptoms include a bad taste in the mouth, swelling, fever, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. This needs prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
What’s Not an Emergency?
- Minor tooth sensitivity
- Small chips with no pain
- Mild gum irritation
These issues still require a dentist’s attention but don’t need an emergency visit.
Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. If you’re ever in doubt, call FDCC – it’s better to be safe than sorry. Quick action can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.