What Is Considered a Dental Emergency? When to Call a Dentist

Tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth or an injury — here’s how to know what may need prompt attention.

A dental problem can feel urgent when you’re hurting or worried, but not every problem requires the same response.

Call a dentist promptly if you have significant tooth pain, swelling, a broken or cracked tooth, a knocked-out permanent tooth, dental trauma or bleeding from the mouth that concerns you. Describe exactly what happened and what you’re feeling so the dental office can help determine the appropriate next step.

If you have a potentially life-threatening emergency — including difficulty breathing, severe facial trauma or uncontrolled bleeding — seek emergency medical care or call 911.

Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can have several causes, and the intensity of the pain doesn’t always tell you exactly what is wrong. Decay, a damaged tooth, inflammation or infection are among the possibilities a dentist may need to evaluate.

If the pain is significant, persistent or getting worse, call a dentist and explain your symptoms. Pain accompanied by swelling or fever deserves particular attention.

Swelling in Your Gums, Face or Jaw

Swelling can occur with a dental infection or other oral problem and should be evaluated. A dental abscess, for example, may cause pain, swelling, gum redness, an unpleasant taste or fever.

Call a dentist if you develop dental pain with swelling. If swelling is rapidly worsening, affects your ability to breathe or swallow, or you otherwise believe the situation may be life-threatening, seek emergency medical care.

Cracked or Broken Tooth

A cracked or broken tooth should be evaluated, particularly if there is pain, sensitivity, a sharp edge or the tooth was damaged in an accident.

Rinse your mouth gently with warm water to help clean the area. If there is facial swelling, a cold compress on the outside of the face may help while you arrange dental care.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth requires prompt dental attention.

Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root and keep it moist. If it can be placed back into the socket without touching the root, that may be an option. Otherwise, keep it in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation product and contact a dentist right away.

A knocked-out baby tooth is different. Contact a dentist for instructions rather than attempting to put the baby tooth back into the socket.

Bleeding or Injury to the Mouth

Minor injuries to the lips, tongue or gums can bleed more than you might expect. Gently clean the area with water and use a cold compress if appropriate.

If bleeding is excessive or will not stop, or if there has been significant trauma to the face or jaw, seek prompt professional care. Suspected jaw fractures or potentially life-threatening injuries belong in an emergency medical setting.

What About a Lost Filling or Crown?

A lost filling or crown may not always be a true emergency, but the tooth can become sensitive, uncomfortable or vulnerable to further damage.

Call your dentist, explain what happened and ask how soon the tooth should be evaluated. If you still have a crown that came off, keep it and bring it with you.

What Should You Do While Waiting to See a Dentist?

What you should do depends on the problem. For a toothache, gently rinse with warm water and floss carefully if food may be trapped between the teeth. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums.

For a cracked tooth or mouth injury, gently rinsing the area and using a cold compress on the outside of the face may be appropriate. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keeping the tooth moist and getting dental care promptly is important.

Most importantly, when you call the dental office, describe your symptoms clearly so the team can give you instructions appropriate to your situation.

Need a Dentist Near Beaverton?

Cedar Hills Dental Care serves patients near Beaverton and Cedar Hills. If you have tooth pain, swelling, a damaged tooth or another urgent dental concern, call (503) 643-7502 and describe what is happening.

The team can ask questions about your symptoms and help determine the appropriate next step and current appointment availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a toothache a dental emergency?

It depends on the symptoms and cause. Significant or persistent tooth pain should be evaluated by a dentist. Pain accompanied by swelling, fever or other concerning symptoms may require more prompt attention.

Is a broken tooth an emergency?

A broken or cracked tooth should be evaluated, especially when there is pain, sensitivity, bleeding or trauma. Call a dentist, explain what happened and ask how quickly you should be seen.

When should I go to the emergency room instead of a dentist?

Seek emergency medical care for potentially life-threatening situations such as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding or significant facial or jaw trauma. If you’re unsure whether a dental problem needs immediate attention, call a dental or medical professional and describe your symptoms.