What Actually Qualifies as a Dental Emergency

We’ve all seen movies where someone has a severe toothache that requires a giant head bandage, or gets punched in the face and loses a tooth, needing the dentist to provide immediate care. But real life is rarely this dramatic. So, how can you tell whether it’s a minor problem or a real dental emergency?

At Willow Glen Dental Center in San Jose, California, our experienced team offers same-day emergency dentistry to preserve smiles and protect oral health. Here, we explain the difference between dental emergencies and less serious oral issues and what to do if you need emergency dental care.

True dental emergencies

True dental emergencies pose a potentially serious risk to your smile. Without prompt treatment, they may cause irreversible damage. Oral issues that fall into this category include:

Severe tooth pain or swelling that indicates an abscess

Oral abscesses occur when bacteria cause an infection, resulting in the buildup of pus. Abscesses often form on the gumline or near the tooth roots, causing intense pain and inflammation and increasing the risk of tooth loss.

Knocked out tooth

Permanent teeth can be saved if you visit the dentist promptly and preserve the tooth properly.

If a tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown, taking care not to touch the roots. Then,  rinse it in tap water, and place it back inside the socket. If it won’t stay in place, put it in a glass of milk.

Broken or cracked tooth

Some injuries can cause a tooth to become cracked or severely damaged. This is painful but also makes the tooth vulnerable to infection, which can damage the pulp and tooth roots. 

Certain soft tissue injuries

Any injury causing excessive bleeding of the gums, tongue, or inner cheeks is a dental emergency. For example, biting your cheek hard after a fall or accidentally biting down on a toothpick.

Lost dental restoration

Dental restorations, like crowns, bridges, and implants, can be damaged or dislodged following oral trauma. Fixing them promptly can protect the surrounding tissues and maintain your mouth's health.

Situations that usually don’t require emergency care

Now, let’s look at some common oral issues that can be mildly painful or annoying, but typically don’t require an emergency visit.

Minor toothache

Sometimes biting down on a hard object or chewing tough foods can cause minor tooth or jaw pain. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, or applying an ice pack to the affected area often provides relief.

Mild sensitivity to hot and cold foods

Teeth often become more sensitive with age. Over time, the outer layer of the teeth, called enamel, wears away, exposing the underlying dentin, which is more sensitive to temperature changes. Brushing your teeth too forcefully can accelerate this process, as can habits such as smoking and consuming carbonated beverages.

Loose orthodontic brackets or wires

If an orthodontic bracket or wire loosens over the weekend, we can schedule a repair for the following week. However, you don’t need to worry about it unless it’s irritating the inside of your mouth or causing pain.

Cosmetic issues that aren’t causing pain

Slightly chipped front teeth don’t always need immediate care, especially if they’re small and don’t cause increased sensitivity. The same goes for small gaps between the teeth (diastema), as long as they don’t cause discomfort.

When to visit the ER and not the dentist

The dentist is the right choice for non-life-threatening pain, infections, and tooth injuries. However, in rare instances, visiting the emergency room (ER) may be the more sensible option. Call 911 or visit the hospital immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Jaw fractures
• Severe bleeding
• Severe swelling
• Jaw dislocation

These issues require specialized equipment and the expertise of trauma surgeons.

Receive emergency dental care

Not every dental injury or issue is an emergency, but knowing when one is can make a huge difference in preserving your teeth, gums, and smile. If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, we encourage you to visit us during our regular business hours. If you’re unsure whether or not it is an emergency, contact Willow Glen Dental Center today. Call the office or send us a message.