Dental problems don’t always happen at convenient times, but knowing when to seek urgent dental care can make all the difference in preventing serious complications. While some issues can wait for a scheduled appointment, others require immediate attention to protect your teeth, relieve pain, or stop an infection from spreading. Here are 5 situations when you should contact an emergency dentist right away.
1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
A mild toothache may come and go, but severe, throbbing, or lingering pain is a red flag. Persistent tooth pain often signals a deep cavity, nerve damage, or an infection inside the tooth. If the discomfort worsens when biting down, eating hot foods, or drinking cold beverages, urgent treatment is needed. Delaying care can allow the problem to progress, potentially leading to an abscess that requires more extensive treatment such as a root canal—or even an extraction.
2. A Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out (avulsed) tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies, particularly for adults. If you act quickly—ideally within 30 to 60 minutes—there’s a good chance the tooth can be saved. Handle the tooth only by the crown, gently rinse it if it’s dirty, and place it back in the socket if possible. If not, store it in milk or saline and get to an emergency dentist immediately. Time is critical, as the tooth’s root cells begin to die shortly after being dislodged.
3. Facial Swelling or Signs of Infection
Any swelling around the gums, jaw, or face accompanied by pain, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth can indicate a dental abscess. Infections that start in a tooth can quickly spread to surrounding tissues and, in severe cases, to other parts of the body. Facial swelling is never something to ignore—this is a sign that urgent treatment is needed. An emergency dentist can drain the infection, prescribe antibiotics, and address the underlying cause to prevent the issue from becoming more dangerous.
4. Broken or Fractured Teeth
A chipped tooth may not require immediate care, but a broken or fractured tooth often does—especially if the break exposes the inner layers of the tooth. You may experience sharp pain, sensitivity, bleeding, or jagged edges that can cut the lips or tongue. Prompt treatment helps relieve discomfort, prevent infection, and protect the remaining tooth structure. Depending on the severity, your dentist may recommend bonding, a crown, or a root canal.
5. Lost Dental Restorations
Losing a filling, crown, bridge, or veneer may not seem like a major emergency, but it exposes vulnerable areas of the tooth to bacteria, temperature sensitivity, and damage. A missing restoration can also cause pain or difficulty eating. Seeking urgent dental care ensures the tooth is properly protected and prevents the need for more complex procedures later on.
Recognizing these signs can help you act quickly and protect your oral health. When in doubt, it’s always better to call your dentist—early action can prevent pain, save teeth, and safeguard your overall well-being.
About the Author
Dr. David C. Parsons has been practicing dentistry for an impressive 40-plus years. He earned his dental doctorate from Baylor (Texas A&M) School of Dentistry. Since graduating, he has undergone hundreds of hours in continuing education, covering specialty topics like orthodontics, oral surgery, dental implants, and more. Dr. Parsons is currently a member of the American Dental Association and the Kansas Dental Association and is on staff at the William Newton Memorial Hospital. If you’re in need of urgent dental care, schedule an appointment online or call (620) 221-0730.