How to tell if it is an emergency
Dental problems can feel urgent even when they are not. These situations may call for emergency care:
- A tooth injury that causes severe pain or bleeding
- A knocked-out tooth
- A tooth infection that causes facial swelling or a fever
These usually do not need emergency surgery:
- A mild toothache
- A filling or crown problem that is not painful
- Cavities or teeth needing extraction that cause no symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Gum inflammation or bleeding when you floss
- Jaw popping or aching when you chew
- A small chip that does not hurt
If you are unsure, call us as soon as you can. We also have a guide to emergency dentist versus emergency room.
Chipped teeth
A chip happens when enamel wears away from trauma or heavy wear, leaving a sharp, jagged surface. Decay, cavities and large fillings raise the risk, as do teeth grinding and acidic foods. Treatment depends on the chip's location, size and symptoms. It becomes an emergency when it causes severe pain and keeps you from eating or sleeping. Larger chips can be reattached or bonded, and porcelain veneers or onlays may be options. Read more in what to do about a chipped tooth.
Cracked teeth
Cracks can come from trauma or wear. Symptoms range from pain that comes and goes when you chew to sudden sensitivity to temperature, and because they come and go, cracks can be hard to diagnose. If you suspect one, seek care promptly, because early treatment is key to saving the tooth.
Treatment depends on the extent, location and type of crack. A fractured cusp may be treated with a filling or crown, a crack running toward the root may need a root canal, and a split tooth needs endodontic treatment. A vertical root fracture may require endodontic surgery or extraction.
Infected teeth
A bacterial infection can form an abscess. A periapical abscess, at the root tip, is common and usually follows an untreated cavity, trauma or earlier dental work. The abscess must be drained, and in most cases a root canal is needed to try to save the tooth. In more severe cases, the tooth may have to be extracted. An untreated abscess can lead to life-threatening complications, so it needs prompt attention.
Damaged braces or other orthodontics
Braces make the mouth more vulnerable to injury. If an injury damages both the orthodontic hardware and a tooth, especially with uncontrolled pain or bleeding, you may need emergency care.
- Call your dental provider right away if the hardware breaks and bothers you.
- Rinse with salt water and put orthodontic wax on sharp parts.
- Remove any pieces that have come completely loose so you do not swallow or choke on them.
- If the hardware is only partly damaged, do not try to repair it or remove the rest yourself.
Dental pain with swelling or fever should not wait. Call (781) 289-3331 right away.
Common questions
What is the most common dental injury?
According to the American Association of Endodontists, chipped teeth. Wear a mouthguard for contact sports and never use your teeth to open things.
How can I avoid a cracked tooth?
Do not chew hard items like popcorn kernels or hard candy, or non-food items like pens and ice. A nightguard can reduce wear from grinding.
Why do I have tooth pain?
Most dental pain comes from exposure of the tooth's inner part, the pulp. According to the ADA, it commonly results from a cavity, a cracked tooth or an exposed root. See your dentist as soon as possible.
What do I do if I knock out a tooth?
The ADA advises keeping an adult tooth moist. If you can, put it back in the socket without touching the root. Otherwise place it in milk or hold it in your mouth. Contact your dentist right away to give the tooth its best chance.
What counts as a dental emergency?
Problems with pain, major discomfort and sudden swelling. They usually do not resolve on their own and need immediate attention.