What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental concern requires immediate treatment, but some injuries and situations, especially those involving severe inflammation, swelling, and bleeding, are considered dental emergencies. Understanding when to seek urgent care is the best way to protect your oral health.

Many different situations may be considered dental emergencies, but the following are some of the most frequent concerns we see that do require immediate attention:

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth is considered a dental emergency because the chances of successful reimplantation are better when care is received as quickly as possible.

If a tooth is knocked out:

• Pick it up by the crown, not the root, and avoid scrubbing or touching the root surface. Do not clean with water.
• If you can do so without forcing it, place the tooth back in its socket.
• If you cannot easily place the tooth back in the socket, hold it in your mouth between your gums and cheek or keep it moist in a tooth-preservation solution or in milk on the way to the dentist.
• Seek treatment immediately.

If a baby tooth is knocked out, don’t try to put it back in the socket.

Oral Bleeding & Swelling

Uncontrolled bleeding after an injury or dental procedure needs prompt attention, but not all bleeding is an emergency. For example, a little bleeding after flossing or after a dental procedure is typically not an emergency if it slows and stops. If you notice bleeding after flossing, let our dentists know during your routine cleaning.

Swelling around the gums, jaw, or face may indicate an infection that requires treatment, particularly if it spreads or makes swallowing or breathing difficult. Call emergency services (911) immediately if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

In addition to persistent or severe bleeding or swelling, a dry socket following a tooth extraction is considered a dental emergency. If the blood clot in an extracted tooth’s socket becomes dislodged, contact your dentist

Severe Toothaches

A severe toothache may be a symptom of deep decay, inflammation inside the tooth, a crack, or an infection. Pain that is intense, persistent, worsening, or disruptive to sleep and daily activities should be evaluated promptly. Don’t assume the problem has been resolved if the pain suddenly disappears; in some cases, this happens when the nerve inside a tooth is damaged while an underlying infection remains.

Get emergency care for severe toothaches, and in the meantime, avoid chewing on the painful tooth and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to help reduce inflammation.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

When a dental emergency occurs, stay as calm as possible, contact our office and explain your symptoms, then follow our guidance regarding immediate next steps to take at home.

General at-home care tips (until you are able to receive professional care) include:

• Avoid chewing on an injured/damaged tooth
• Do not attempt to repair a broken crown or filling with household adhesives
• Keep knocked-out teeth moist.
• Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze to any bleeding areas.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swollen areas.

Bottom Line: If You Aren’t Sure, Call Our Office

If you are unsure whether a problem needs urgent attention, call our office right away instead of waiting for symptoms to worsen. We can help you determine whether you need immediate care or if your concern can wait until a regular appointment.

Kardynal Dental Offers Emergency Dental Care

Kardynal Dental provides emergency dental care for patients in and around Shelby Township, Michigan. If you think you may be experiencing a dental emergency, contact our office at (586) 816-8676 or visit our Emergency Dental Care page for additional information.