Dental pain and injuries don’t always happen at convenient times, and sometimes, waiting for your next routine appointment just isn’t an option. Knowing when to seek urgent dental care can make all the difference in saving a tooth, stopping pain, or preventing a serious infection. While some discomfort can wait a day or two, other symptoms are clear signs that you need to see a dentist immediately. Here are 5 situations when you should seek urgent dental care without delay.
1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
Tooth pain is never normal, especially if it’s sharp, throbbing, or keeps you up at night. This kind of discomfort can indicate a deep cavity, abscess, or nerve infection inside the tooth.
Infections don’t heal on their own—they worsen over time and can spread to your jaw, neck, or even your bloodstream. Over-the-counter pain relievers might offer temporary relief, but they don’t treat the underlying cause. If you’re experiencing severe or persistent tooth pain, call your dentist right away for an emergency appointment. Prompt treatment, such as a root canal or drainage of an abscess, can stop the infection and save your tooth.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The good news is that if you act quickly, your dentist may be able to reimplant the tooth successfully.
If your tooth gets knocked out, pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root, and gently rinse it with water if dirty. Try to place it back in its socket or keep it moist in a cup of milk or saline solution. Then, get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Every minute counts—the sooner the tooth is reimplanted, the better your chances of saving it.
3. Swelling in the Face or Jaw
Facial or jaw swelling is a red flag for a serious infection, often related to an abscessed tooth or infected gum tissue. You may also experience fever, pain when biting, or difficulty opening your mouth.
Because these infections can spread rapidly and even affect your breathing, you should seek urgent dental or medical care immediately. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to control the infection and then treat the root cause with a root canal, drainage, or extraction.
4. Broken or Cracked Tooth
A broken or cracked tooth may not always seem like an emergency, but if the damage exposes the inner pulp or nerve, it can lead to severe pain and infection. A quick visit to your dentist can prevent complications and save your tooth.
Until you can be seen, avoid chewing on that side and rinse your mouth with warm water. If swelling or pain occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
Losing a filling or crown may leave your tooth sensitive and vulnerable to damage or infection. While it’s not always life-threatening, it can quickly become painful if the inner layers of the tooth are exposed.
You can temporarily cover the area with dental cement or sugar-free gum, but you should schedule a same-day or next-day dental visit to have the restoration replaced or repaired properly.
When it comes to dental emergencies, acting fast can save your smile and your health. If you experience severe pain, swelling, trauma, or a knocked-out tooth, don’t wait. Contact your dentist or an emergency dental clinic right away.
About the Practice
Are you experiencing a dental emergency? No worries – at Gale Ranch Family Dental, our top-rated team of ER dentists is ready to take care you of quickly and painlessly. We offer same-day emergency care because your comfort is our number one priority. If you’re anxious to see the dentist, we have different forms of sedation to ensure your experience is a pleasant one, and you’ll enjoy working with our compassionate, trustworthy team. Don’t delay – schedule an appointment now through our website or call (925) 648-8881.