When a Dental Problem Shouldn’t Wait
Dental problems don’t always happen at convenient times. A tooth may suddenly start throbbing, a crown can come loose during dinner, or an accident can leave you with a chipped or knocked-out tooth.
But how do you know whether you’re dealing with a true dental emergency or something that can safely wait until your next appointment?
At Brookside Dental Associates in Redlands, CA, we encourage patients to call whenever they experience significant dental pain, swelling, injury, or another sudden change in their oral health.
Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
A mild, temporary sensitivity may not be an emergency. However, severe tooth pain, throbbing pain, or discomfort that does not go away deserves prompt attention.
Tooth pain can have several possible causes, including:
- Tooth decay
- A cracked or damaged tooth
- Inflammation inside the tooth
- An infection or abscess
- A damaged filling or restoration
- Gum-related problems
Pain is often your body's way of telling you that something needs attention. If tooth pain is interfering with eating, sleeping, or normal daily activities, contact your dentist.
Swelling in the Gums, Face, or Jaw
Swelling around a tooth or along the gums can sometimes indicate an infection and should not be ignored.
You may also notice:
- A tender or swollen area of the gums
- A pimple-like bump near a tooth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- A bad taste in your mouth
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
Dental infections generally require treatment of the source of the problem rather than simply masking the symptoms.
If swelling is affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, or you believe the situation may be life-threatening, seek emergency medical care immediately.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies.
If an adult tooth has been completely knocked out:
- Pick it up by the crown rather than the root.
- If necessary, gently rinse away visible dirt without scrubbing the tooth.
- Keep the tooth moist.
- If possible, carefully place it back into the socket without forcing it.
- If that isn't possible, keep it in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution.
- Contact a dentist immediately.
Acting quickly may improve the possibility that the tooth can be successfully treated and preserved.
Do not attempt to place a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket.
A Cracked, Broken, or Chipped Tooth
Not every small chip is an emergency, but a significantly cracked or broken tooth should be evaluated promptly, particularly if you're experiencing pain or sensitivity.
A crack may expose sensitive areas of the tooth and may worsen over time.
Until you can see your dentist:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the face if swelling is present.
- Save any pieces of the tooth if you can find them.
Even if the tooth isn't painful, significant damage should still be evaluated by a dentist.
Bleeding That Won't Stop
Minor bleeding from irritated gums can occur, but heavy or uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth requires immediate attention.
This is especially important following:
- An injury to the mouth or face
- Damage to the gums or soft tissues
- A recent dental procedure
- A cut to the tongue, cheek, or lip
If bleeding is significant or does not stop with gentle pressure, contact your dentist or seek appropriate emergency medical care.
A Lost Crown or Filling
Losing a crown or filling may not always qualify as a true emergency, but it should not be ignored.
The exposed tooth may become:
- Sensitive to hot or cold
- Painful when chewing
- Vulnerable to additional damage
- More difficult to restore if the tooth fractures
Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side of your mouth and contact your dentist to determine how quickly the restoration should be repaired or replaced.
Never use household glue or other non-dental adhesives to reattach a crown.
An Injury to Your Teeth, Mouth, or Jaw
Sports injuries, falls, automobile accidents, and other trauma can damage teeth even when they initially appear normal.
Contact a dentist if an injury causes:
- A loose tooth
- A tooth that has moved out of position
- A broken tooth
- Significant mouth pain
- Bleeding around a tooth
- Changes in your bite
If you suspect a broken jaw, serious facial injury, difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or another potentially life-threatening injury, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
What Should You Do While Waiting to See the Dentist?
What you should do depends on the type of dental emergency, but a few basic steps can help protect the area until you receive professional care.
Rinse gently with warm water if needed to keep the area clean. A cold compress placed on the outside of your cheek may help with swelling following an injury.
If food is caught between teeth and causing discomfort, gently floss the area. Avoid using sharp objects around the teeth or gums.
Never place aspirin directly against an aching tooth or gum tissue.
When Should You Contact Brookside Dental Associates?
When you're uncertain whether a dental problem is urgent, call us and explain what's happening.
Tell our team what happened, where you're experiencing discomfort, whether there is swelling or bleeding, and how long the symptoms have been present. We can help determine the appropriate next step.
Dental problems are often easier to manage when they're addressed early rather than after pain or damage becomes more severe.
Don't Ignore Sudden Dental Pain or Injury
If you're experiencing sudden dental pain, a broken tooth, swelling, or another urgent dental concern, contact Brookside Dental Associates. We provide comprehensive dental care for patients throughout Redlands, Loma Linda, Highland, Mentone, San Bernardino, and surrounding communities.
