Emergency Dentistry

What is a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can take several forms, including sudden and severe toothaches, accidents that chip or crack teeth, damaged or loose restorations, and lost or damaged teeth. It is estimated that about 22 percent of people have experienced dental or oral pain within the last six months. To determine if your situation is an emergency, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are you experiencing severe pain or significant swelling? 
• Do you have a painful toothache that does not subside? 
• Do you have a loose or knocked-out tooth? 
• Do you have swelling in your cheeks or face combined with a toothache? 
• Are you experiencing extreme tooth sensitivity? 
• Are you bleeding from the mouth that will not stop? 
• Is your jaw injured?

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. This also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening and require you to contact your dental office immediately.

What is not a dental emergency?

While some dental issues require immediate attention, others might not be as urgent and can wait a few days for treatment. Minor discomforts, such as slight chips or small cavities, typically do not constitute emergencies. It’s essential to evaluate whether the issue can be temporarily managed without professional intervention, which often depends on the intensity of the pain and any potential risks involved.

What’s the best way to handle a dental emergency?

The best action in a dental emergency is to contact your dentist. However, if the situation is extremely severe, you should immediately go to the emergency room. 

Depending on the type of dental emergency you are experiencing, there are some things you can do to alleviate the pain and help the situation before you see your dentist. Here are some steps you can take: 

• Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a mug of warm water and use it as a mouthwash. 
• If your tooth has been knocked out, place it in a glass of milk until you can see your dentist. 
• Try flossing to eliminate any gum pressure. 
• Use a cold compress on the swelling or painful area. 
• Rinse your mouth with diluted hydrogen peroxide to kill bacteria. 
• Take over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate pain.