Wondering if that dental issue can wait? Here’s how to know when to call us right away.
For my 7th birthday, I was thrilled to have all my friends over for a pool party in our backyard. We spent the afternoon showing off diving board tricks, racing across the pool, and battling it out with pool noodles. In the middle of all the excitement, one kid swung his noodle a little too hard and smacked another square in the face. A few minutes later, the unlucky kid realized he was bleeding — not from the noodle itself, but from a chipped tooth that had cut the inside of his mouth. Thankfully, a quick trip to the dentist had him patched up in no time. To this day, he only holds a slight grudge against the noodle-wielding culprit!
While this story ended with a smile (and a good laugh), it’s a perfect example of how dental problems can pop up suddenly. Not every situation is an emergency in the middle of the night, but some issues — like a chipped tooth, swelling, or a persistent toothache — really do need to be seen as soon as possible.
When You Should Call Us for an Urgent Appointment
Here are the most common situations where you shouldn’t wait too long — plus a few real-life examples and tips for what to do at home while we get you scheduled:
Persistent Toothache
If pain lingers or keeps coming back, it may be a sign of decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection.
💡 Think of that time you bit down on a popcorn kernel and felt a sharp “zing” shoot through your tooth. If the discomfort doesn’t go away, it’s time to call.
- What you can do: Try rinsing with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medicine, and avoid chewing on that side until we see you.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
Even if it doesn’t hurt much, sharp edges can cut your lips or tongue, and deeper cracks can get worse.
💡 We’ve seen patients who chipped a tooth during a basketball game, or even from something as innocent as biting into a tortilla chip the wrong way.
- What you can do: If a piece breaks off, save it if possible. Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover sharp edges until your visit.
Lost Filling or Crown
An exposed tooth can become sensitive and is more prone to further damage.
💡 One common story: enjoying caramel or taffy, only to find your crown stuck in the candy instead of your tooth.
- What you can do: Keep the area clean, avoid sticky or hard foods, and if you still have the crown, store it in a clean container to bring with you.
Swelling Around a Tooth or Gums
This could be an early sign of infection that’s best treated quickly.
💡 It often starts small — maybe you wake up with “puffy gums” on one side — but swelling can get worse fast if untreated.
- What you can do: Rinse gently with warm salt water and apply a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Dental Abscess (Small Bump on Gums)
Abscesses can cause pain, tenderness, or a bad taste in the mouth.
💡 Some patients describe noticing a “pimple” on their gums that won’t go away — that’s an abscess, and it needs professional care.
- What you can do: Do not try to pop it. Rinse with salt water and call us right away — abscesses don’t heal on their own.
Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop After an Injury
If the bleeding isn’t heavy enough for the ER but continues after applying pressure, we need to take a look.
💡 Kids often discover this after a playground fall, while adults may notice it after accidentally biting their tongue or cheek during a meal.
- What you can do: Apply gentle but firm pressure with clean gauze or a damp tea bag until you come in.
Orthodontic Pain
Broken brackets or wires can poke and irritate your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
💡 If you’ve ever had a wire digging into your cheek while trying to eat dinner, you know how miserable it can feel.
- What you can do: Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp areas, or place the end of a broken wire under a piece of gauze until your appointment.
Summary
Why Sooner Is Better
While these problems might not put your overall health at immediate risk, they can get worse quickly. Seeing us promptly means:
- Less pain and discomfort
- Lower chance of infection
- Better outcomes (and sometimes easier fixes)
When It’s Not Urgent
Some dental issues may look concerning but can often wait until your next scheduled cleaning or check-up. Examples include:
- Minor tooth sensitivity to cold or sweets
- Tiny chips that don’t hurt or affect your bite
- Slight gum irritation after flossing too hard
We’ll Work With You to Get the Care You Need
We know dental issues never happen at a convenient time, and concerns about cost or insurance can make it stressful to call. At Atascadero Hills Dental, our team is here to help — not to add to your worries.
- We’ll do our best to schedule you quickly and keep you comfortable.
- We’ll work with your insurance to maximize your benefits.
- If you don’t have insurance, we’ll talk through options to make care more manageable.
Our goal is simple: to ease your discomfort and find a solution that works for you.
When in Doubt, Give Us a Call
If you’re unsure, it’s always better to check in with us. Dr. Nathan, Dr. Preston, and the entire Atascadero Hills Dental team are here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you to the right care.
Whether it’s helping with pain, fitting you in quickly, or working with your insurance, we’ll do our best to make sure you’re cared for.