Dental issues don’t always wait for convenient hours. But how do you know when it’s a true emergency—and when it can wait until your next appointment?
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), seek immediate care if you experience:
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Severe tooth pain
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Knocked-out tooth
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Cracked or broken tooth with pain or bleeding
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Dental abscess or swelling
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Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
Other Situations That May Need Urgent Care:
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Lost filling or crown
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Object stuck between teeth causing pain
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Broken braces wires poking the gums
What You Can Do While Waiting
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For toothaches, rinse with warm salt water and take over-the-counter pain relief.
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If a tooth is knocked out, hold it by the crown (not the root), rinse gently, and try to reinsert it. If that’s not possible, store it in milk and get to a dentist within 30 minutes.
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For swelling, apply a cold compress and call your dental office immediately.
What’s Not an Emergency?
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Minor tooth sensitivity
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A small chip without pain
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Routine dental cleanings or exams
“When in doubt, call your dentist,” says Dr. Maria Lopez, general dentist. “We’d rather talk you through it than have you wait too long.”