Dental emergencies rarely happen at convenient times. You might bite down on something hard and feel a sudden crack, wake up with severe tooth pain, or have an accident that damages your teeth. When these situations occur, it can be difficult to know whether you need immediate attention or if the problem can wait until your regular dentist has an opening. Understanding which dental issues require urgent care helps you make the right decision and potentially save your tooth.
At Spring St. Dental, we see patients with dental emergencies and work to accommodate same-day appointments whenever possible. Knowing when to seek immediate treatment can make the difference between saving and losing a tooth, so we want you to understand which situations need prompt attention and which can be managed at home until your scheduled appointment.
Signs You Need Same-Day Dental Care
Severe, persistent tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers signals a problem that needs professional attention. This type of pain often indicates an infection deep within the tooth or an abscessed tooth, where bacteria have entered the pulp through decay, gum disease, or a crack. Dental abscesses can spread to surrounding tissues and even into your bloodstream if left untreated, so immediate care is important for your overall health.
If you’ve knocked out a permanent tooth, time is critical. The tooth has the best chance of being saved if you can get to a dentist within 30 minutes to an hour. Keep the tooth moist by placing it back in the socket if possible, or storing it in milk or your saliva. Never scrub the tooth or touch the root, as this can damage the delicate tissues needed for reattachment.
Dental Trauma That Requires Immediate Attention
Sports injuries, falls, and other accidents can cause significant dental trauma. A cracked or fractured tooth exposes the inner layers to bacteria and can lead to infection or further damage. Large chips or breaks, especially those that cause pain or have sharp edges, cutting your cheek or tongue, need prompt treatment. We can often repair these teeth with dental crowns or bonding when treated quickly.
Injuries to your lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums that result in heavy bleeding or won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes also require immediate care. While minor cuts often heal on their own, deeper lacerations may need stitches to close properly and prevent infection. If you’ve sustained facial trauma, there could also be damage to the jawbone or underlying teeth that isn’t immediately visible.
Infections and Swelling
Facial swelling, particularly when accompanied by fever, difficulty swallowing, or trouble breathing, indicates a serious infection that needs emergency treatment. Swelling in your jaw, face, or neck can restrict your airway and require immediate medical attention. Even less severe swelling around a tooth or in your gums suggests an infection that will only worsen without treatment.
A root canal may be necessary to address infections within the tooth, and antibiotics help control the spread of bacteria. Delaying treatment for dental infections can lead to more complex problems and may ultimately result in tooth loss, so it’s better to address these issues as soon as symptoms appear.
Lost Fillings, Crowns, or Dental Work
When a filling falls out or a crown comes loose, the exposed tooth structure becomes vulnerable to damage and sensitivity. While this situation might not seem like an emergency, it’s best to have the problem addressed within a day or two to prevent further complications. The exposed tooth can crack or develop decay quickly, and you’ll likely experience discomfort when eating or drinking.
If you’ve lost a temporary crown or bridge during dental treatment, contact your dentist right away. These temporary restorations protect your teeth while your permanent ones are being made, and leaving the area exposed can compromise the success of your final restoration. Keep the crown or filling if possible, as your dentist may be able to recement it temporarily until a permanent solution is ready.
What to Do While Waiting for Your Appointment
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the package to manage discomfort, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face if there’s swelling. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods that won’t aggravate the injury.
For severe pain or injuries, don’t wait to call your dentist. Many dental offices reserve time in their schedules for emergency cases and can often see you the same day. If your emergency occurs after hours or on a weekend, most dental practices have an answering service or emergency number where you can reach a dentist for guidance.
Trust Spring St. Dental for Your Emergency Care
At Spring St. Dental, we understand that dental emergencies cause both physical discomfort and stress. Our team makes every effort to accommodate urgent cases quickly so you can get relief and prevent further damage to your teeth. We use advanced technology, including CEREC same-day crowns and 3D imaging, to diagnose and treat emergency cases efficiently.
Whether you’re dealing with severe pain, a broken tooth, or a dental injury, we’re here to help. Don’t ignore dental problems, hoping they’ll improve on their own. Contact us as soon as you realize you have an emergency, and we’ll work to get you the care you need.