What's Considered a Dental Emergency?

You’re eating and hear a crack in your lower jaw. You've had a persistent, sharp pain in a back tooth that doesn’t dull or improve. You’re in an accident and knock loose some teeth. A dental emergency is any issue that requires immediate intervention, either from broken bones, pain that doesn’t ease, or unending bleeding. 

Dental emergencies can be overwhelming and uncomfortable, but knowing how to recognize and handle them makes all the difference. Seeking your dentist’s advice as soon as possible can help you understand how to respond effectively and give you the best chance of restoring your smile.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is an oral health issue that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or address serious infections. Some emergencies—like a knocked-out tooth—can require immediate care from a dentist. If your dentist doesn’t offer emergency dental care, you should proceed to the nearest urgent care or emergency room for help. 

How to Identify a Dental Emergency

Not every oral issue is an emergency. Other common dental issues—like a dull toothache, chipped teeth, or broken braces–are serious but can be addressed during regular business hours and do not count as emergencies. 

You can measure if it qualifies as urgent by certain criteria, like:

1. Pain Level & Persistence: Severe and prolonged pain that doesn't dissipate with over-the-counter remedies is often a signal of a dental emergency.
2. Visible Damage to the Tooth: Any visible damage, such as cracks or breaks, may require care to prevent infection or further injury to the tooth and surrounding areas.
3. Swelling or Bleeding: Persistent swelling, gum bleeding, or signs of infection (such as a foul taste or fever) must be addressed urgently.
4. Changes in Bite or Tooth Alignment: Sudden changes to how your teeth bite together, or feeling a loose tooth as an adult, should be treated immediately to avoid permanent damage.

Based on the above criteria, a good rule of thumb is if you are experiencing bleeding or extreme discomfort, you should seek emergency dental care. 

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

Many different situations can qualify as dental emergencies. Some of the most common situations to watch out for can include: 

1. Toothache

A toothache that doesn't subside with over-the-counter pain medications or home remedies could signal a serious issue, such as deep decay, infection, or gum disease. Severe, throbbing pain often requires prompt attention.

2. Broken or Chipped Teeth

A broken or chipped tooth can expose the inner layers of your tooth, increasing the risk of infection and further damage. Seek dental care to repair the tooth and prevent complications.

3. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Immediate care gives you the best chance of saving and reinserting the tooth into its socket—successful reimplantation is unlikely to occur after 2 hours. 

4. Lost Filling or Crown

Losing a dental filling or crown can leave the underlying tooth exposed and increase the risk of pain, sensitivity, and bacterial infection. 

5. Abscess or Infection

An abscess is a painful, pus-filled infection, usually found near the root of a tooth or in the gum. Left untreated, abscesses can cause serious health complications if the infection spreads.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you or someone close to you experiences a dental emergency, acting quickly can make all the difference. 

Immediate Steps at Home

• Reduce Pain: Use over-the-counter pain relievers and rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help reduce discomfort. For swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face.
• Handle with Care: If you’ve knocked a tooth out, you can carefully rinse the tooth with water (don’t scrub it!) and try reinserting it into the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in a container of milk or your saliva until you get to the dentist.
• Protect the Site: For lost fillings or crowns, cover the exposed area with dental cement or sugarless chewing gum as a temporary fix until you arrive at your dentist. 

• Contact an Emergency Dentist: Call your dentist immediately to explain the issue. Most dental offices offer emergency services and will prioritize your treatment to resolve the issue quickly.

First Aid for Specific Emergencies

When facing dental emergencies, it's crucial to take immediate and appropriate actions to mitigate pain, prevent further damage, and ensure a swift recovery until professional care can be obtained. There are some basic first aid steps you can take for specific, common dental emergencies, like: 

• Severe Toothache: Take pain relief medication and avoid eating on the affected side until you can see your dentist.
• Chipped Tooth: Use dental wax to cover any sharp edges. Keep the area clean to prevent infection.
• Abscess: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and keep your head elevated to prevent swelling from worsening.

Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies

Although not all dental emergencies can be avoided, there are steps you can take to minimize the likelihood of serious dental issues occurring. 

Practising good oral hygiene is a minimum requirement for protecting your teeth in the long-run. Brush at least twice daily, floss once daily, and use fluoride toothpaste where possible to maintain healthy gums. 

Making dental check-ups apart of your regular routinue helps your dentist to monitor and catch any issues early, preventing them from escalating into emergencies. You should aim to have a checkup and routinue cleaning done about every six months for added protection. 

Simple lifestyle adjustments, like avoiding chewing hard objects or food like candy, ice, or popcorn kernels can help you avoid chips or cracks in your teeth. If you play sports, or grind your teeth, you should consider investing in a custom mouthguard to help protect your teeth and gums from chipping or cracking that can quickly escalate into emergencies. 

How Embrace Dental Care Can Help

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but knowing how to respond can reduce their impact. By staying informed on what constitutes an emergency, taking preventative measures, and contacting a dental professional when needed, you can protect your oral health. 

If you’re unsure whether your issue requires immediate care, or need guidance, our team at Embrace Dental Care is here to help. Don’t wait—schedule your regular check-up today or call us for urgent assistance.