A cracked tooth at dinner. A dull ache that will not let you sleep. A child’s tooth knocked loose on the playground. Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, and knowing what actually counts as urgent can save you a lot of stress (and sometimes a tooth).
As a family dentist serving patients of every age since 1977, we get emergency calls for everything from minor chips to true dental trauma. Here is a straightforward guide to what qualifies as a dental emergency, what you can do at home in the moment, and when it is time to call our office.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
Not every dental problem needs same-day attention, but these situations do:
- A knocked-out tooth. This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Acting within the first few hours gives the tooth the best chance of being saved.
- A severely cracked or broken tooth, especially if you can see the inner layers of the tooth or are in significant pain.
- A lost filling or crown that leaves the tooth exposed and sensitive.
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth after an injury.
- Facial or gum swelling, particularly if it is spreading or paired with fever, which can signal an infection or abscess.
- Severe, persistent tooth pain that over-the-counter medication does not touch.
- A tooth that has been pushed out of position from an impact.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, it is always better to call and ask than to wait it out. Our team can help you decide over the phone whether you need to come in right away.
What Usually Isn’t an Emergency
Some issues are uncomfortable but can typically wait for a regular appointment, such as a minor chip with no pain, mild sensitivity to hot or cold, or a small piece of a filling that came loose without exposing the tooth. Our general and preventative dentistry team can address these at your next scheduled visit. When in doubt, though, a quick call to our office costs you nothing and gives you peace of mind.
What to Do Before You Get to Us
Knocked-out tooth
Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it is dirty, but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket if possible. If that is not an option, keep it in a small container of milk or your own saliva and get to our office as fast as you can.
Chipped or broken tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water, save any pieces you can find, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and gently floss around the tooth in case food is trapped.
Lost crown or filling
Keep the piece if you have it, and avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you are seen. Our restorative dentistry services can typically get you back to normal quickly.
Swelling or signs of infection
Do not wait this one out. An abscess can become a serious health issue if left untreated, and this is a situation where our oral surgery team may need to get involved.
Emergencies Look Different for Kids
A loose or knocked-out baby tooth is handled differently than a permanent tooth, so it helps to have a family dentist who already knows your child’s dental history. If your kids are hitting new stages of growth and losing teeth on a fairly regular basis, our guide to dental milestones for families can help you tell the difference between a normal wiggly tooth and one that needs a call to us.
When to Call Us
We reserve time during our regular office hours to see emergency patients, and same-day care is often available. If you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or pain that will not let up, do not wait. Call our office right away so we can guide you through next steps and get you in as soon as possible.
Already a patient? Keep our number saved in your phone. New to the practice? Find a Hudec Dental location near you and let us be the family dentist you can count on, in a crisis and every day in between.
