When you’re dealing with sudden, unexpected tooth pain, bleeding gums, or sore spots, it is more than a little distressing. You may find yourself worrying about whether this is considered a dental emergency. In many cases, patients may disregard their discomfort and instead go on with their everyday life. However, this can have major consequences. 

But how do you know whether you’re facing a real dental emergency? Understanding what a dental team would consider a “real” dental emergency can help you make the most informed decision for your long-term oral health preservation. This is especially important if you have been considering putting off professional treatment.

If you want to learn more about what your dental team would consider a real dental emergency and what you can do while waiting for your appointment, keep reading. 

A Quick Disclaimer on Dental Pain & Injuries

Before diving into the signs that you’re facing a dental emergency, it is important to start by explaining that any severe, sharp, or persistent dental pain is cause for concern. If you are experiencing pain, but that is your only symptom, you may consider opting out of professional care. However, if the pain has lingered for more than 48 hours, contact your dentist immediately.

Additionally, if you have just lost a tooth due to an accident or injury, you need to reach out for emergency dental care as soon as possible. When facing tooth loss or sharp, uncontrollable pain, time is of the essence. Do take over-the-counter pain medication in lieu of reaching out to your dentist. Contact our dental team to schedule emergency care. 

Common Signs That You’re Facing a Real Dental Emergency

When you are facing a real dental emergency, there are a few common symptoms you will immediately experience. A real dental emergency is considered anything that involves severe pain, trauma, or uncontrollable bleeding. These injuries often cannot be remedied through home care, and you’ll need professional dental care to preserve the tooth. 

The most common signs that you are facing a real dental emergency include: 

• Knocked Out/Dislodged Teeth: Your teeth should never be loose, and if they are, whether as a result of an impact or accident, you need immediate care. 
• Severe, Throbbing Pain: If you are experiencing pain that is impacting your daily life, this should be addressed immediately by your dentist. 
• Uncontrollable Bleeding: A little bit of blood isn’t cause for concern, but if it does not stop after 15-20 minutes of pressure, it’s time to go to the dentist. 
• Significant Facial Swelling: Swelling of your gums, cheek, or jaw that is accompanied by a fever needs immediate attention from your dentist. 
• Dental Abscess: If you’ve noticed a pimple-like bump on your gums that is pus-filled, this needs to be inspected by your dental team. 

What to Do If You Have a Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth

When you think of a real dental emergency, you probably think about losing a tooth, and this is absolutely true. Losing a tooth is a time-sensitive emergency, requiring immediate attention to protect you from tooth loss. If you have lost a tooth, make sure to handle the tooth carefully, and remove any dirt and debris by gently rinsing it with saliva or milk. 

Do not scrub the tooth or use a strong stream of water from a faucet, as this can dislodge any remaining root tissue. Once the tooth is clean, attempt to gently reinsert it into the socket. Once in the socket, gently bite down on a clean piece of gauze. However, if you cannot get the tooth back into the socket, do not try to force it, as this can damage the gums and root. 

In this case, store the tooth in a small container of milk or saliva to protect it. Once this is done, contact your dentist to schedule immediate care. Once there, they will anchor the tooth in the socket, and potentially perform a root canal to address any dead or damaged nerves before they lead to future pain and oral health complications. 

How to Handle Severe Tooth Pain or Swelling Before Your Appointment

While you may be experiencing a real dental emergency, you may not need or have the ability to immediately head to the dentist. However, you do still want to ensure you are addressing severe pain and swelling leading up to your appointment. If you want to ensure your comfort while waiting for your dental appointment, make sure to do the following: 

• Cold Compress: One of the best ways to address swelling and pain is by using ice. Apply a cold compress to your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes, remove it, and repeat. This numbs the area, cools the blood flowing through the tissue, and reduces swelling.
• Salt Water Rinse: Mix ½ teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water. Swish this water gently for 30 seconds before spitting. This will clean the area of the injury, reduce inflammation, and kill potentially harmful bacteria. 
• Over-the-Counter Medication: In addition to using cold compresses and salt water rinses, incorporate over-the-counter pain medication, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, into your routine to help alleviate discomfort. 

Dental Problems That Can Usually Wait for a Regular Visit

Although a real dental emergency needs immediate attention, there are a few problems that can wait until your next scheduled appointment. If you are experiencing any of the following dental problems, you may be able to wait until your next scheduled appointment or a few weeks to talk to your dental team about potential treatment options: 

• Minor Toothaches
• Small Chips or Fractures
• Lost or Loose Fillings or Crowns
• Mild Gum Irritation
• Food Stuck Between Teeth

As long as you are not in extreme pain, you are safe to wait to visit your dentist. However, if this changes, this may become a real dental emergency, and it is best to reach out to your dental team to move up your appointment. 

Contact Our Team for Emergency Dental Care Today

If you believe you are experiencing a real dental emergency, turn to our experts at Mountain View Dental for immediate support. We understand how difficult it can be to deal with severe dental pain, especially if it is impacting your day-to-day life. Whether you’ve damaged a tooth following a recent accident or are experiencing sudden, unexpected swelling, our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care.

If you need to schedule an appointment to address a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us today.