Dental pain does not always start during office hours. It helps to know what can wait and what needs fast care. A dental emergency is any problem that may threaten a tooth, cause severe pain, spread infection, or involve heavy bleeding or facial injury.
Problems that need prompt dental care
Call right away for a knocked-out adult tooth, a loose adult tooth, heavy bleeding, or a deep break. Severe pain, facial swelling, fever, or a bad taste may point to infection. A lost crown or filling can also need quick care if the tooth is painful or sharp.
Our emergency dentistry service explains how the studio can help. The ADA also provides first-aid steps for common dental emergencies.
What to do with a knocked-out tooth
Pick up an adult tooth by the crown, not the root. Rinse it gently if it is dirty. Do not scrub it. If it slips back into place with no force, hold it there. If not, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-saving product and seek care at once.
When to seek medical emergency care
Call 911 for trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, heavy bleeding that will not stop, or a serious injury to the face or jaw. These signs may need hospital care first.
A hospital may help with severe medical risk, but a dentist is often needed to treat the tooth itself.
What may be urgent but not life-threatening
A dull ache, small chip, or mild sensitivity may not need an emergency room. Still, call the dental office. The team can ask about your symptoms and guide the timing.
Do not put aspirin on a tooth or gum. It can burn the tissue. Use medicine only as directed and safe for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is a broken crown an emergency?
It may be urgent if there is pain, a sharp edge, or an exposed tooth. Call for advice.
Can swelling wait until tomorrow?
Fast or severe swelling should not wait. Trouble breathing or swallowing needs emergency medical help.
What if a baby tooth is knocked out?
Do not put it back in the socket. Call a dentist for guidance.
Take the next step
If you are unsure, call. Contact our Colorado Springs emergency dental team and describe what happened so we can guide your next step.
