Dental Emergencies

Something doesn’t feel right?
Call us. We will help you decide what needs to be done and how quickly you need to be seen.

Not every problem needs to be treated immediately—but some do. The first step is knowing what you’re dealing with.

What to do first

Call our office right away.

If there is severe swelling, trouble breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or concern for a head or jaw injury, go to the ER first.

If you are unsure, call us and we will guide you.

Common dental emergencies

Tooth pain

Tooth pain can range from mild sensitivity to more constant or severe discomfort.
Not all tooth pain is an emergency, but it is a sign that something may need attention.

You can monitor it if:

  • it is mild
  • it goes away quickly
  • it only happens with cold or sweets

You should call us if:

  • the pain is constant or getting worse
  • it wakes you up at night
  • there is swelling or pressure

Avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean.

Swelling or infection

Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw can be a sign of infection.
Some infections spread and become serious if not treated.

Do not ignore swelling.

Call us as soon as possible so we can evaluate and guide you.

Broken or chipped tooth

Teeth can break from biting hard objects, trauma, or existing weakness.

If this happens:

  • Rinse your mouth gently
  • Save any pieces if you can
  • Avoid chewing on that side
  • Call us so we can assess the damage

If a baby tooth is broken or knocked out

Do not try to place it back in.

This can damage the developing adult tooth underneath.

If there is bleeding or pain that does not stop, call us and we will guide you.

Knocked-out tooth (adult tooth)

A knocked-out tooth is an emergency.

If possible:

  • Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root)
  • Rinse gently if dirty (do not scrub)
  • Place it back in the socket if you can

If that’s not possible:

  • Keep it in milk or saliva

Call us immediately. Timing matters.

Loose or moved tooth

A tooth that has shifted or feels loose after trauma should be evaluated.

Do not force it back into place.

Call us right away.

Lost filling or crown

A lost filling or crown exposes the tooth underneath and may cause sensitivity.

Avoid chewing on that side.

Call us so we can determine whether it needs repair or replacement.

Common Questions

How do I know if this is a dental emergency?

If you’re in pain, have swelling, or something has changed suddenly, it’s worth checking.

Some problems can wait—but not all.

Call us and we will help you decide.

Can I wait to be seen?

Some problems can be monitored for a short time. Others cannot.

Waiting on certain issues can make treatment more involved later.

If you’re unsure, call. We’ll guide you.

Will I be seen the same day?

We do our best to see urgent concerns as soon as possible.

Timing depends on the situation, but we will help you determine what needs immediate attention.

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