There are many types of dental emergencies, but the bottom line is that if you are having pain or discomfort in your tooth, please do not hesitate to call us to come in for an exam. Delaying treatment will generally only make the problem worse, and our dentists will usually have some time reserved every day for last minute emergencies. We will do our best to see you the very same day and in many cases will be able to perform any needed treatment right away to relieve you of your pain. Examples of common dental emergencies are:
TOOTHACHE
If you have a tooth that is unusually sensitive, hurts to bite on, or simply causes you pain on its own, you need to come in to have it examined. There are many reasons why a tooth can cause you discomfort, but these symptoms will most likely not resolve on their own and may get worse over time. It may be an indication of an underlying issue such as a cavity or infection and these get more difficult to treat the longer they are left unchecked.
CHIPPED OR BROKEN TOOTH
The most common causes of chipped or broken teeth are either trauma or a grinding and clenching habit. In most cases, these teeth can be fixed if treated quickly enough. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and determine the best way to proceed with fixing your tooth and restoring your smile and bite. If the damage has been caused by grinding, a mouth guard may be prescribed to prevent any further damage from occurring.
LOST FILLING OR CROWN
Fillings and crowns are done in order to restore a tooth to its natural shape and function. While these are considered permanent restorations, from time to time they can fail due to wear and tear over the years. While it may not be an emergency, we still would like to see you as soon as possible so we can diagnose the cause of the failing restoration and fix it as soon as possible. Leaving a lost or damaged restoration can lead to further damage of the tooth, and possible discomfort later on.
ABSCESS OR INFECTION
If you notice pain, swelling, or a drainage of fluid coming from your tooth or gums, please call us to get it checked out immediately. Even if it is not painful, this can be a sign of a serious infection or abscess and it needs to be treated as soon as possible. Leaving it for too long can lead to the infection spreading, which can lead to localized bone loss and subsequent loss of the tooth, or worse it can lead to a systemic infection that can be very serious if not treated promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies
What is considered a dental emergency?
In general, any dental problem that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or save a tooth is considered an emergency. This consideration also applies to severe infections that can be life-threatening. If you have any of these symptoms, you may be experiencing a dental emergency.
Does a broken tooth count as a dental emergency?
There is no straight answer for when a broken tooth is a dental emergency. It depends on the severity of the breakage. For example, while minor chips can wait, a major breakage can cause so much pain that instant dental intervention is necessary. The dentist can always make room to attend to the emergency.
Is a cracked root canal tooth an emergency?
A tooth with a large chip, crack, or break at or near the gum line, may not bleed or swell, but be very painful. The biggest risks associated with large or deep cracks/chips is damage to the nerve and blood supply and infection.
How can I tell if my situation is a dental emergency?
Dental emergencies often involve sudden pain, swelling, bleeding, or damage to the teeth or mouth. If you’ve chipped or knocked out a tooth, have a severe toothache, or notice swelling or pus around a tooth or gum, it’s time to call the dentist. Not sure if it’s urgent? Reach out to Surrey Place Dental! Our team of dentists can help you decide whether you need immediate care or if it’s safe to wait for a regular appointment.
What should I do if I lose a tooth unexpectedly?
First, handle the tooth carefully. Only touch the top (the crown), never the root. If it’s dirty, give it a gentle rinse without scrubbing. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it in a small container of milk or saliva. Getting to our office quickly, ideally within an hour, gives our team of dentists the best chance to reattach the tooth successfully. Acting fast can make all the difference in saving your smile.
How can I ease a painful toothache before I get to the dentist?
Use warm salt water to rinse your mouth, then gently floss around the teeth to remove any debris lodged there. Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can reduce discomfort and inflammation. If your face is swollen, a cold compress may help. Avoid putting aspirin directly on the gums or teeth, as it could cause chemical burns. Contact Surrey Place Dental as soon as possible so we can identify the cause and provide lasting relief.
Is a chipped or cracked tooth something that needs urgent attention?
It depends on how deep the damage goes. A minor chip might not hurt, but deeper cracks can lead to pain, infection, or more serious damage if untreated. Even if you’re not in pain, it’s smart to call our team of dentists for an exam. He can evaluate the tooth and recommend a solution, such as bonding or a crown. The earlier we see it, the more likely we can preserve the tooth and prevent further problems.
Should I visit the hospital for a dental emergency?
Hospitals aren’t typically equipped to treat dental issues like broken teeth or toothaches unless there’s a serious infection or facial trauma. In most cases, your best option is to contact your dentist. At Surrey Place Dental, we can handle urgent dental problems quickly and appropriately. If you’re unsure where to go, call us first—we’ll help guide you in the right direction depending on the nature of the emergency.
What are the risks of leaving a dental infection untreated?
An untreated infection in the mouth can spread and become dangerous. Signs of infection include constant pain, swelling, pus, and even fever. These infections can affect nearby tissues or enter the bloodstream, leading to more serious health complications. If you suspect an abscess or infection, seeing our team of dentists is essential. He may recommend antibiotics, drainage, or a root canal to eliminate the problem and protect your health.
Can a dental emergency affect my long-term oral health?
Yes, untreated dental emergencies can have lasting consequences. An ignored toothache could lead to a severe infection, while delaying care for a broken tooth might result in permanent damage or tooth loss. Prompt treatment at Surrey Place Dental helps preserve your natural teeth and minimizes the risk of more extensive—and expensive—restorative care later.
Does Surrey Place Dental handle urgent dental appointments the same day?
Yes, we do our best to accommodate dental emergencies right away. Our team of dentists keeps time open in the schedule to help patients who are in pain or dealing with unexpected dental trauma. Call us if you’re dealing with something sudden, like a broken tooth, intense discomfort, or swelling. We’ll work quickly to get you into the office and back to feeling better as soon as possible.
BROKEN APPLIANCE
Although this is not an emergency with your teeth, a broken dental appliance such as a Nightguard or Denture needs to be repaired. These appliances are made precisely for the function and protection of your teeth, and our dentists are all trained to diagnose and help you with these issues. Be aware that most appliances will need to be sent to a dental lab if they need to be repaired or remade so there’s a chance you may be without it for a day or two.
