What Is a Dental Emergency?
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any urgent oral health issue that requires immediate professional care to:
- Stop severe pain.
- Control bleeding.
- Save a tooth.
- Prevent an infection from spreading.
- Protect your overall health.
Not every dental problem is an emergency. For example, a small cavity or a minor chip in a tooth can usually wait a few days. But other situations—like a knocked-out tooth—require care within hours to prevent long-term damage.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
1. Severe Toothache
A toothache that doesn’t go away, especially if it comes with swelling, could indicate a deep infection or abscess. This requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical. If you get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes, there’s a higher chance the tooth can be saved. Always handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and keep it moist in milk or saline solution until you reach the dentist.
3. Broken or Chipped Tooth
Not all chips are emergencies, but if the break is large, painful, or exposes the nerve, you should see a dentist right away to avoid infection and restore function.
4. Loose or Dislodged Tooth
If your tooth feels loose after trauma or an accident, emergency care may be needed to stabilize and save it.
5. Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include swelling, severe pain, fever, or even difficulty breathing. This is a medical emergency and requires urgent dental treatment.
6. Lost Filling or Crown
While not always painful, losing a filling or crown leaves your tooth exposed and vulnerable. Quick repair will protect the tooth from further damage or decay.
7. Uncontrolled Bleeding
If your mouth is bleeding heavily after an accident or dental procedure and it doesn’t stop, seek emergency dental care immediately.
8. Injuries to Soft Tissues
Cuts, tears, or punctures to the tongue, cheeks, or gums may also require immediate care, especially if bleeding cannot be controlled.
What To Do If You Have a Dental Emergency
- Stay calm. Panic can make things worse. Take deep breaths and assess the situation.
- Call your dentist immediately. Many dental clinics have emergency lines or same-day appointments.
- Control pain and swelling. Use a cold compress on the outside of your face. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also help, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.
- Preserve knocked-out teeth or fragments. Keep them moist in milk, saline, or your own saliva.
- Go to the emergency room if necessary. If you have difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or a high fever, head straight to the ER.
What’s Not Usually a Dental Emergency?
Some issues can wait a few days before seeing the dentist:
- Mild tooth sensitivity.
- Dull toothache that comes and goes.
- Minor chips without pain.
- Lost retainer or mouthguard.
- Small cavity.
While these issues aren’t emergencies, they still need attention—delaying treatment can turn them into bigger problems.
How To Prevent Dental Emergencies
While accidents happen, many dental emergencies can be avoided with good oral care and precautions:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and gum disease.
- Visit your dentist regularly for checkups.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports or physical activities.
- Avoid chewing hard foods, ice, or non-food objects.
- Don’t ignore early signs of dental issues—small problems can grow into emergencies.