What’s a Dental Emergency?
Knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you act quickly and prevent further complications.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency refers to any dental problem that needs immediate attention to stop pain, bleeding, or damage to the teeth, gums, or mouth. If left untreated, these issues can worsen rapidly—sometimes leading to permanent damage or even affecting your overall health.
The key signs of a true dental emergency are:
- Severe, persistent tooth pain
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- A knocked-out or broken tooth
- Signs of infection, such as pus, fever, or swelling
If you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to call your dentist. Many dental offices provide emergency appointments or after-hours services to help you when urgent problems arise.
Common Dental Emergencies
Here are some of the most common dental emergencies—and what you should do if they happen to you.
1. Severe Toothache
A mild toothache might just mean you have a cavity or sensitivity, but sudden, severe, or throbbing pain is a red flag. It may indicate an infection, an abscess, or nerve damage.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any debris.
- Avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums—it can burn the tissue.
- Call your dentist immediately for an emergency visit.
Ignoring a severe toothache can lead to a serious infection that spreads beyond the tooth and even into your bloodstream.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving it.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (top), not the root.
- Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub it.
- Try to reinsert it into its socket and hold it in place with gentle pressure.
- If you can’t, keep it moist in a cup of milk or saliva.
- Get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.
Acting quickly can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth permanently.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth may not always be painful, but if the damage is deep, it can expose the inner nerves, leading to infection or sensitivity.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- See your dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will determine if the tooth can be repaired with a filling, crown, or root canal—or if it needs to be extracted.
4. Dental Abscess
An abscess is a serious infection that occurs at the root of a tooth or between the gum and tooth. It can cause intense pain, swelling, fever, and even difficulty swallowing or breathing.
This is a true dental emergency, as the infection can spread to other parts of your body if not treated promptly.
What to do:
- Rinse with warm salt water to help draw out some of the bacteria.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief (not aspirin applied directly).
- Contact your dentist immediately.
Your dentist will likely drain the abscess and may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
5. Broken or Lost Dental Filling or Crown
If a filling or crown comes out, the exposed tooth can become extremely sensitive to pressure, temperature, or air.
What to do:
- If possible, keep the crown and bring it to your appointment.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Use dental cement (available at most drugstores) as a temporary solution until you can see your dentist.
Delaying treatment can cause further decay or damage to the tooth.
6. Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue
If you’ve bitten your tongue, cheek, or lip and the bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of applying pressure, you may need medical attention.
What to do:
- Clean the area gently with water.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Seek care if bleeding continues or the wound is deep.
Some oral injuries may require stitches or a professional cleaning to prevent infection.
7. Loose or Dislodged Tooth
If a tooth becomes loose (but not fully knocked out) due to an injury or impact, it’s crucial to see a dentist right away.
What to do:
- Avoid touching or wiggling the tooth.
- Keep it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth.
- Get emergency dental care as soon as possible.
Your dentist may be able to stabilize the tooth and save it from falling out.
What’s NOT a Dental Emergency
Not every dental issue requires an immediate visit. Some common non-emergency situations include:
- Minor toothaches that come and go
- A small chip or crack without pain
- Slight gum irritation
- A lost crown or filling (if there’s no severe pain)
Even though these aren’t urgent, you should still schedule a regular dental visit to prevent the problem from worsening.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While accidents can happen, many dental emergencies can be prevented with good oral care and habits:
- Brush and floss daily to prevent decay and infection.
- Visit your dentist every six months for checkups and cleanings.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools to open packages or bottles.
- Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.
- Don’t ignore early signs of dental discomfort—addressing problems early can prevent emergencies later.
When in Doubt, Call Your Dentist
If you’re ever unsure whether your dental problem is an emergency, it’s best to call your dentist for advice. Many dental offices offer same-day or after-hours appointments for urgent cases.
Prompt attention can relieve pain, prevent complications, and often save your tooth.