Dental pain and injuries don't follow a schedule. When something goes wrong with your teeth, it can be hard to know what to do next. Should you call your dentist? Go to the emergency room? Wait and see?
This helpful guide walks you through five common dental situations. For each, you'll learn what it is, whether it counts as an emergency, what to do in the next 30 minutes, and when to call Springs Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, versus when to go to an ER.
Safety Note: Go to an ER or call 911 immediately if the dental issues involve uncontrolled bleeding, trauma to the face or jaw, or swelling that restricts breathing or swallowing.
Scenario 1: Broken Tooth
What It Is
A broken tooth occurs when part of the tooth chips, cracks, or breaks off. It can happen from biting something hard, a fall, or an impact to the face. Some breaks are minor. Others expose the inner layer of the tooth, called the pulp, which contains nerves and blood vessels.
Is a Broken Tooth an Emergency?
It depends on the severity. A small chip with no pain should be attended to, but it is not an immediate emergency. A break that causes sharp pain, exposes the pulp, or leaves a jagged edge that cuts your tongue or cheek needs prompt attention.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Save any broken pieces you find and bring them to your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
Call Springs Family Dental or Go to the ER?
Call Springs Family Dental at (719) 294-0617 in most cases. A broken tooth is a dental problem, and an ER is not equipped to repair it. Go to the ER only if there is significant facial trauma, heavy bleeding that won't stop, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Scenario 2: Lost Crown
What It Is
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged or treated tooth. Crowns can come loose or fall off due to normal wear, biting something hard, or the cement underneath breaking down over time. When a crown comes off, the tooth underneath is exposed and unprotected.
Is a Lost Crown an Emergency?
A lost crown is urgent but not always a same-day emergency. However, the exposed tooth can be sensitive and is vulnerable to further damage. Your dentist should address it in a day or two if possible.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Find the crown, keep it safe, and bring it to your appointment. Don’t try to glue it back in place yourself. If the exposed tooth is sensitive, dental cement from a pharmacy can provide temporary protection. Avoid chewing on that side.
Call Springs Family Dental or Go to the ER?
Call Springs Family Dental at (719) 294-0617 to schedule a prompt appointment. This is not an ER situation. An emergency room cannot reattach or replace a dental crown.
Scenario 3: Severe Toothache
What It Is
A toothache is pain in or around a tooth. Mild tooth sensitivity is common and doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. Severe, persistent toothache, especially pain that throbs, wakes you up at night, or doesn't lessen with over-the-counter pain medication, is a different matter. It often signals decay that has reached the nerve, a cracked tooth, or an infection.
Is a Severe Toothache an Emergency?
A severe toothache is a dental emergency. It will not resolve on its own. The underlying cause needs to be identified and treated.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed on the label. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gum, as this can harm the tooth or gums. A cold pack applied to the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling. Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks.
Call Springs Family Dental or Go to the ER?
Call Springs Family Dental at (719) 294-0617 first. If the pain is severe and the office is closed, an ER can provide pain relief and antibiotics if infection is present — but they cannot treat the tooth itself. Follow up with your dentist as soon as possible.
Scenario 4: Dental Abscess
What It Is
A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that forms at the root of a tooth or in the surrounding gum tissue. It is caused by bacteria entering the tooth through decay, a crack, or gum disease. Symptoms include throbbing pain, swelling in the face or jaw, fever, and a bad taste in the mouth. You may also notice a pimple-like bump on the gum near the affected tooth.
Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency?
Yes. A dental abscess is a serious infection. Left untreated, it can spread to the jaw, neck, or other parts of the body. This situation is one of the few that can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Rinse gently with warm salt water — this can help draw out some of the infection and reduce discomfort. Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Do not try to pop or drain the abscess yourself.
Call Springs Family Dental or Go to the ER?
Call Springs Family Dental at (719) 294-0617 immediately. If the office is closed and you have facial swelling, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing, or a high fever, go to the ER. These symptoms indicate the infection may be spreading and require immediate medical attention.
Scenario 5: Knocked-Out Tooth
What It Is
A knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsed tooth, occurs when a tooth is completely displaced from its socket due to trauma. This emergency is most common in contact sports, falls, and accidents. Timing is the most critical factor in deciding whether your dentist can save the tooth.
Is a Knocked-Out Tooth an Emergency?
Yes, this is the most time-sensitive dental emergency. The tooth has the best chance of being successfully re-implanted if you get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.
What to Do in the Next 30 Minutes
Act quickly. Here is what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown—the white part you can see in the mouth. Do not touch the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by biting down gently on clean gauze.
- If you cannot reinsert it, store the tooth in a small container of milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Do not let it dry out.
- Get to a dentist immediately.
Call Springs Family Dental or Go to the ER?
Call Springs Family Dental at (719) 294-0617 on the way. If the office is closed, go to the nearest ER, but bring the tooth with you. Time is one of the deciding factors in whether your dentist can save the tooth.
Not Sure It's an Emergency? Call Us Anyway
Not every situation fits neatly into a category. If something doesn't feel right, whether it's pain, swelling, bleeding, or a tooth that looks different, contact Springs Family Dental in Colorado Springs, CO at (719) 294-0617. We'll ask about your symptoms to determine whether we need to see you right away or whether it can wait for a scheduled appointment.