Dental emergencies can occur suddenly leaving you in severe pain, causing stress and confusion. It is important to know when to visit an emergency dentist as opposed to waiting for a regular dental appointment. Whilst some dental issues can be left for a few days, others such as trauma, severe infections and excessive bleeding require urgent attention. Knowing what a dental emergency really is, what symptoms to look out for and what to do can help protect your teeth from further damage.

1. Severe toothache with extreme pain

The body’s main way of letting you know something is wrong is through pain. Some tooth sensitivity can be left for a regular dental check-up. However if you are experiencing extreme levels of pain, then something serious is going on.

  • Constant Throbbing Pain – If your tooth is constantly in severe pain which is affecting your ability to sleep and work then this is likely due to an infection or pressure build up in the nerve pulp.
  • Pain not Improving – If you are experiencing pain that is not improving with over the counter painkillers then you need urgent help.
  • Radiating Pain – Pain radiating to your jaw, ear, cheek and/or neck means there is infection occurring in your tissues.

2. Knocked Out Tooth

If you knock out a permanent tooth this is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The best chance of getting the tooth back in is within 30-60 minutes.

  • Find the tooth. Hold it by the top of the crown. Do NOT touch the root or scrape it.
  • Gently rinse the tooth in cold water or milk if it is dirty.
  • Try to gently push the tooth back in. If this isn’t possible place it in a small container of fresh milk or your cheek to keep the root cells hydrated.

3. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection caused by bacteria. It can affect the bottom of the root or deep within the gums. If left untreated it can spread into the surrounding tissues.

  • If you notice a pimple like bump on your gums it means you have an infection. This will ooze a disgusting tasting pus.
  • Swelling – If you notice swelling in your cheeks, jaw or upper neck area then this means the bacteria is spreading quickly.
  • Feeling ill – If you have a high temperature, general feeling of being unwell or difficulty swallowing then this means you have a serious infection. You need to visit an emergency dentist or go to A&E.

4. Loose, displaced or extruded permanent tooth

You should never have a loose tooth. They can become loose due to trauma from sport, accidents or severe localized infection.

Extruded

If your tooth has been pushed out of place, forced further into your jaw or pulled part way out then you need an emergency dentist to gently splint and put your tooth back in place.

  • If you get help within hours then your dentist can stabilize your tooth. This will help prevent any damage to the surrounding ligaments.
  • Do not touch, wiggle or press on the loose tooth.

5. Crack, break or fracture exposing nerve

If you chip your tooth it usually won’t be an urgent issue. However if you have a severe fracture exposing your nerve then you need immediate help.

  • Pink/Red Spot – If you can see a small pink/red spot in the center of your broken tooth then this means your nerve is exposed.
  • Sensitivity – If you are experiencing extreme pain when air, liquid or food touches your fractured tooth then this means your nerve is exposed.

Broken teeth often have sharp edges which can cut into your tongue, cheeks and lips. To help protect them cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar free gum.

6. Excessive bleeding and trauma

If you have torn, lacerated or deep puncture wounds on your tongue, soft palate, cheeks or gums then you need to get help.

  • Bleeding – If you are bleeding from your mouth and it won’t stop after applying heavy pressure for 15-20 minutes with clean gauze or a damp teabag then it is an emergency.
  • Large Tears/Cuts – If you have large tears/cuts then you may need emergency stitching.
  • Jaw Trauma/Fracture – If you are bleeding from your mouth and having trouble getting your teeth to line up, severe pain in your jaw joint or your bite doesn’t feel stable then visit immediately.

7. Lost or broken dental restoration

Whilst losing a crown, large filling or temporary restoration may not mean you need to visit an emergency dentist in the middle of the night, there are situations where you will need to get help urgently.

  • Exposed cavity – If your filling has fallen out and you can see raw dentin or sharp parts inside your tooth causing serious pain then visit an emergency dentist.

Your tooth has become weakened and will be more likely to fracture. Getting your crown re-cemented quickly will help protect it.

If you cannot get help immediately you can use over the counter temporary cement or temporary filling to help protect it.

What to do in a dental emergency?

  • Stay calm. Determine if you have severe pain, bleeding, swelling or displaced teeth.
  • Ring your local emergency dental practice immediately. Let them know you are coming and ask for advice on what to do.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm salty water.
  • Apply a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes. This will help reduce swelling.
  • If you have a knocked out permanent tooth hold it by the crown only. Keep it moist by placing it in milk or saliva.
  • Apply direct pressure with sterile gauze or clean cloth to any bleeding areas.
  • Do not use aspirin on your sensitive gums. This can burn the tissue and cause more bleeding.

FAQs

What should I do if I have a dental emergency out of hours?

Ring your dentist’s main number immediately. Most dentists will have an out of hours emergency number or will refer you to an on call dentist. If you have severe swelling in your face, difficulty breathing or excessive bleeding and there is no dentist available then go to your nearest hospital.

Can an emergency dentist extract a tooth?

Yes, if your tooth is beyond saving due to severe fracture, deep decay or infection then an emergency dentist can extract your tooth to help relieve the severe pain and stop the infection.

When should I visit an emergency dentist?

If you have an issue with your teeth or gums such as a knocked out tooth, severe toothache or lost crown then visit an emergency dentist. If you have trauma to your mouth causing suspected jaw fractures, excessive bleeding or severe swelling affecting your airways, swallowing or vision.

Can I cure my infection with over the counter pain killers?

No, over the counter pain killers will only help with the pain. They cannot kill the infection in your tooth or jaw bone. You will need to visit a dentist for treatment such as root canal, surgery or extraction.

Knowing the signs of a dental emergency will help you get help quickly. Visiting an emergency dentist will help stop any pain and prevent infections from spreading. Keeping your dentist’s emergency contact details easily accessible will help you get help quickly.