What Types of Dental Emergencies Do You Call Us For?
Posted on 5/15/2025 by Brandon Cooley
A dental emergency can disrupt your day and cause pain, but it's important to know the severity of your dental problem before calling an emergency dental clinic.
Not all dental issues are considered an emergency, even if they cause discomfort. If your discomfort doesn't interfere with your ability to breathe, eat or sleep, it may not need an immediate visit.
However, there are several instances where calling your emergency dentist is the right decision.
Types of Dental Emergencies
Here are some dental emergencies that need immediate treatment:
Severe pain
When you're experiencing unbearable dental pain that's interfering with your daily life, a prompt visit to the emergency clinic is necessary. This could be caused by an infection, abscess, pulpitis (inflammation of the tooth's pulp), or even a fractured tooth.
Facial Swelling
Facial swelling can indicate a serious infection that might spread quickly. Don't delay visiting the emergency dentist to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment for faster recovery.
Lost/Avulsed Teeth
Knocking a tooth out is considered a serious situation, especially if it's a permanent tooth. If the tooth survives outside its socket for too long, the chances of reattachment decrease. If this happens, try to keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saline solution and seek emergency dental care right away.
Fractured/Broken Teeth
Fractured teeth can happen for many reasons, like chewing on something hard or experiencing trauma to the teeth. This could cause significant pain and leave the sensitive inner layers of the teeth exposed, requiring immediate attention and restoration treatment.
Bleeding
Excessive bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes requires prompt dental attention. The dentist will assess the source of bleeding and provide necessary measures to control it.
Keep in mind: This list doesn't cover all types of emergencies. It's always best to call your dentist or the nearest emergency dental clinic if you're unsure and experiencing severe discomfort or swelling.
Taking Care of Oral Health in General
Remember, practicing good oral care habits like brushing twice a day, flossing regularly, and avoiding sugary snacks goes a long way in preventing many of these emergencies in the first place.
Conclusion:
Dental emergencies can be a stressful event, so knowing when to seek immediate help is important.
If you are unsure whether you're dealing with a dental emergency, it's always better to be cautious and contact the nearest dental clinic to discuss your symptoms, especially when facing severe pain, persistent bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth.
A dental emergency can disrupt your day and cause pain, but it's important to know the severity of your dental problem before calling an emergency dental clinic.
