Common Dental Emergencies—And What to Do About Them

Dental emergencies can happen fast. One moment you’re biting into lunch, the next you’re holding a chipped tooth. Or maybe a dull ache suddenly becomes a sharp, pulsing pain that won’t quit. Whatever the case, knowing what qualifies as a dental emergency—and how to respond—can save your tooth and a lot of stress.

Toothaches That Won’t Quit

A toothache that doesn’t ease up with flossing or over-the-counter pain relief is a red flag. It could signal decay, infection, or even an abscess. The sooner it’s evaluated, the better the outcome. Swelling or a bad taste in your mouth might mean an infection that needs immediate treatment.

Treatment recommendation: Same-day treatment is recommended. These infections can spread and shouldn’t be put off.

Cracked or Broken Teeth

Cracks can be hard to spot but painful when chewing. Even a minor break can expose the inner layers of your tooth. That makes the tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and further damage. If you chip or break a tooth, rinse with warm water and avoid chewing on that side. Call the office for guidance.

Treatment recommendation: Same-day or next-day care is ideal, especially if the tooth is painful or sensitive to temperature.

Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, and rinse gently if it’s dirty. Try placing it back in the socket if you can. If not, store it in milk or saliva and get to the dentist quickly. Timing matters most here—ideally within 30 minutes.

A loose tooth, especially from trauma, also deserves immediate attention. Stabilizing it early increases the chance it can be saved.

Treatment recommendation: Reimplantation within 30–60 minutes gives the best outcome. Call immediately and aim for same-day treatment.

Sudden Swelling of the Face or Jaw

Facial swelling, especially when it comes on quickly, can signal a serious infection. This might stem from an untreated cavity, an abscess, or an issue with a wisdom tooth. The swelling may be painful or tender, but even if it’s not, it should be taken seriously. Infections in the mouth can spread to other areas of the body if left untreated. If you notice puffiness near the jawline, under the eye, or in the neck, don’t wait—get in touch with the office as soon as possible. Quick treatment can prevent bigger health risks.

Treatment recommendation: Don’t wait. Call for a same-day appointment—especially if the pain is constant or keeps you up at night.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

A missing filling or crown may not seem urgent, but it can expose sensitive areas. That can lead to pain or new damage. Try keeping the area clean and avoid chewing there until it can be repaired.

Treatment recommendation: Try to be seen within a few days. Same-day is best if there’s discomfort or sharp edges.

Dental Emergencies at Balcones Family Dental in Austin, TX

At Balcones Family Dental in Austin, Dr. Ross Maddox, Dr. Ahmed Sharaf, and Dr. Christopher Glecos understand how disruptive dental emergencies can be. Whether it’s a sudden toothache or a lost crown, their team works to see emergency patients as quickly as possible.

If something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Call the office and describe what’s going on. Acting quickly can make all the difference.

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Categorized in: Dental Emergencies