When a tooth suddenly begins throbbing, part of a tooth breaks, or swelling appears, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Should you call a dentist, visit an emergency room, or wait to see whether it improves?
The answer depends on what is happening. Most tooth-related emergencies are best evaluated by a dentist, but certain symptoms require immediate medical attention.
When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room when the situation could threaten your breathing, your ability to swallow, or your immediate safety.
Seek emergency medical care for:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling
- Serious facial or jaw trauma
- A suspected broken jaw
- Uncontrolled or excessive bleeding
- Loss of consciousness or signs of a head injury
- Any condition that appears life-threatening
Do not wait for a dental office to open when breathing, swallowing, severe trauma, or uncontrolled bleeding is involved. After the urgent medical issue is addressed, a dentist may still need to evaluate damage to the teeth or mouth.
When to Call a Dentist
For most problems centered on a tooth or the surrounding gums, call a dentist first. Contact us promptly for severe or persistent tooth pain, a broken or cracked tooth, a permanent tooth that has been knocked out or moved, swelling around a tooth, a painful bump or possible abscess, or a lost restoration that is causing pain.
If you are unsure, call anyway. Our team can ask questions and help determine the next step. At Elite Dental, we make every effort to see dental emergencies the same day. Calling early gives us the best opportunity to arrange appropriate care.
Severe Tooth Pain
A toothache may be caused by decay, a crack, inflammation inside the tooth, infection, a bite problem, or another condition that cannot be diagnosed accurately over the phone.
While you wait, gently rinse with warm water, carefully floss in case food is trapped, avoid chewing on the painful side, and follow label directions for any over-the-counter medication you normally take safely. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums because it can damage the tissue.
Pain medication may reduce discomfort temporarily, but it does not correct the source. Persistent or severe pain deserves an examination.
Swelling
Call a dentist promptly when you notice swelling around a tooth, in the gums, or along the jaw. Let the office know whether it is getting larger and whether you have other symptoms.
If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, spreads rapidly into the face or neck, or is accompanied by signs that you are seriously unwell, seek emergency medical care immediately.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is time-sensitive. Acting quickly may improve the chance that it can be saved.
- Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root.
- If dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
- If possible, carefully place it back into its socket without forcing it.
- If you cannot, keep it moist in milk or an approved tooth-preservation solution.
- Call a dentist immediately and bring the tooth with you.
Do not wrap it in a dry tissue. If a child knocks out a baby tooth, do not put it back in the socket. Call a dentist so the injury can be evaluated.
A Broken or Cracked Tooth
Rinse gently with warm water. If there is swelling from an injury, place a cold compress against the outside of the face. Save any pieces you find, avoid chewing on the tooth, and call for an examination.
Treatment depends on the damage. Some teeth can be repaired with bonding or a crown. Others may need root canal treatment, while severely damaged teeth may need to be removed. We examine the tooth before recommending the next step.
What Happens During an Emergency Visit?
The first goal is to understand the cause and help you become comfortable. We will ask about your symptoms, examine the area, and take appropriate diagnostic images when needed.
Emergency treatment does not automatically mean extraction. Treatment might involve repairing the tooth, addressing an infection, performing root canal therapy, removing the tooth, or arranging specialist care. We will explain the options and costs before moving forward.
If the emergency happens after hours, call (501) 448-2386 and follow the instructions in the recorded message. For life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room.