Toothaches and dental discomfort can happen at any time, but not every issue requires an emergency trip to the dentist. Knowing when to seek urgent dental care can help you prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage to your smile. Some dental problems can wait a day or two, while others need immediate attention to save a tooth or stop an infection from spreading.
Here’s a helpful guide on when to seek urgent dental care and why acting quickly can make all the difference.
Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
A mild toothache might come from temporary irritation or food stuck between teeth, but severe, throbbing, or lingering pain is a sign that something more serious is going on. Common causes include:
- Deep cavities reaching the nerve.
- Infected or abscessed teeth.
- Cracked or damaged enamel.
If over-the-counter pain relievers don’t help or the pain wakes you up at night, you should call your dentist right away. Ignoring this type of pain can allow infection to spread, potentially requiring more extensive treatment like a root canal or extraction.
Swelling in the Face, Jaw, or Gums
Swelling around your mouth or jaw is a red flag that you might have an infection or abscess, which is a pocket of pus caused by bacteria. Dental abscesses can spread rapidly and become dangerous if untreated, even affecting your ability to breathe or swallow in severe cases.
If you notice swelling, tenderness, or a bad taste in your mouth — especially accompanied by fever — seek urgent dental care or go to an emergency room. Prompt treatment is essential to drain the infection and protect your overall health.
Broken, Cracked, or Knocked-Out Tooth
Accidents happen, and when they involve your teeth, time is critical.
- Broken or cracked tooth: Even if it doesn’t hurt right away, bacteria can enter through the damaged area and cause infection. Save any broken pieces and call your dentist immediately.
- Knocked-out tooth: Handle it by the crown (the top part), not the root, and gently rinse it with water if it’s dirty. Try to place it back in its socket or store it in milk. Then, get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes — fast action can often save the tooth.
Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop
Minor bleeding from brushing or flossing too hard isn’t usually serious, but bleeding that continues for more than 10 to 15 minutes after an injury or dental procedure needs professional attention. Persistent bleeding could also signal gum disease or a deeper infection that needs urgent treatment.
Lost or Damaged Dental Restorations
If a filling, crown, or bridge comes loose or falls out, your tooth is left unprotected and vulnerable. Without immediate care, bacteria can enter and cause decay or sensitivity. Contact your dentist right away for a repair or temporary solution until a permanent fix can be made.
Dental emergencies can escalate quickly. If you experience severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma, don’t try to “wait it out.” Seeking urgent dental care protects not only your smile but your overall health.
About the Author
Dr. Gus Bal is a 1994 graduate of the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine. After graduating, he completed a fellowship in Implant Dentistry at NYU. He is continually and expanding and updating his knowledge to provide his patients with the best dental care possible. Dr. Bal has also been voted “Best Dentist in Scarborough” by the Readers Choice Awards for 4 consecutive years, most recently in 2017. If you’ve found yourself in a dental emergency, don’t delay – schedule an appointment online or call (613) 228-8768.