What Is a Dental Emergency?

October 27, 2022

A dental emergency includes any oral health condition that can’t wait for a scheduled appointment. Whether you have an issue that your dentist can see you for that same day or you have to go to the emergency room in the middle of the night, these are dental conditions that should never wait to be seen.

Sudden or Severe Tooth or Gum Pain

Whether it’s a toothache, sudden but severe tooth sensitivity, or just unexplained pain, these symptoms could point to an infection that needs to be addressed right away.

If the discomfort is such that you can’t wait to be seen, or doesn’t go away even with over the-counter medicine, consider this a dental emergency and contact your dentist as soon as possible to see when you can come in [1].

Some people may also experience sudden pain when a tooth restoration, such as a filling, crown, or bridge, falls out. In such cases, you may be able to wait to be seen, but always listen to your body. If the pain is unbearable, see a dentist as soon as possible.

Unexplained or Worsening Bleeding or Swelling

Bleeding and swelling are never normal outside of the hours or days following a dental procedure such as an extraction or dental implant. However, if the bleeding or swelling is getting worse or is sudden, it’s time to see your dentist.

Unexplained bleeding or swelling in your oral cavity or worsening bleeding or inflammation after a dental procedure could indicate a complication such as an infection, so don’t put off contacting your dentist if you’re experiencing these symptoms.

You should especially seek emergency dental care if you have a fever along with bleeding and swelling in your oral cavity [2].

A Loose, Broken, or Knocked-Out Tooth

Any trauma to your tooth should be considered a dental emergency. These include a hit or blow to the face that causes a broken, loose, or knocked-out tooth or even a broken or dislocated jaw.

In cases such as these, time is of the essence. If you can, collect all pieces of the tooth and store them in water, saliva, or milk, then take them with you to the dentist [3].

While chips or cracks to the teeth can generally wait until a regular appointment to be seen, if you have a large fracture in your tooth or a piece of your tooth is missing, it’s best to see a dentist as soon as possible, as they may be able to reattach the piece of your tooth.

Should You Go to the Emergency Room?

If possible, it’s best to see a dentist rather than go to the emergency room. An emergency department generally does not keep dentists on staff and will do their best to treat the issue temporarily, but you will usually need to follow up with your dentist the next day.

However, if you can’t find a dentist to see you and your symptoms are severe, go to the emergency room. Severe pain, swelling, or bleeding could indicate an infection, which in some cases can be life-threatening, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Have questions about whether or not your case is a true dental emergency? If it’s during regular business hours, call your dentist and tell them what you’re experiencing. They will let you know if you should come in as soon as possible or if you may be able to wait to be seen.