Is It a Dental Emergency or Can It Wait? Here's How to Tell

Toothaches, chipped teeth, swelling; some dental issues need urgent care. Others can wait a little while. But how do you know which is which?

Calling your dentist too late can mean more pain, more damage, or even losing a tooth. On the other hand, rushing in for something that isn’t urgent may not be necessary. This guide will help you spot the signs, understand when to book a same-day appointment, and manage things while waiting to be seen.

What Is Considered a True Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency usually involves sudden pain, bleeding, swelling, trauma, or the risk of permanent tooth damage. These situations need urgent care, not just to ease discomfort but to protect your overall oral health.

When You Should See a Dentist Immediately

If you’re not sure whether to call your urgent dentist, here are four common issues that often need same-day attention:

Severe Tooth Pain: Persistent, throbbing, or sharp pain may signal something deeper, like decay, infection, or nerve exposure. If it’s waking you up at night or gets worse when you chew, it likely needs urgent attention. Quick care often leads to simpler solutions.

Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth: If a tooth has been knocked out, time is everything. The first hour gives you the best shot at saving it. Handle it carefully by the crown, rinse gently in milk or saline, and either place it back in the socket or keep it moist. A tooth that feels loose – whether from trauma or grinding – should also be looked at quickly to prevent further damage.

Broken Tooth (With Pain or Sharp Edges): A cracked or broken tooth that causes pain or cuts your mouth needs fast care. Sharp edges may damage soft tissues, and exposed inner tooth layers risk infection. We’ll assess the damage and restore the tooth using bonding, a crown, or another solution, depending on the severity of the damage.

Swelling or Signs of Infection: Facial swelling, pus, fever, or a bad taste may point to an abscess or spreading infection. These conditions can worsen quickly and may affect your overall health. Early treatment helps relieve pressure, remove the infection, and protect the surrounding bone and tissues.

When It Can Usually Wait

Some dental concerns don’t require urgent care, especially if you’re not in pain and there’s no swelling. These include a lost filling or crown that isn’t causing discomfort, a small chip with no sensitivity, mild or occasional tooth sensitivity, and cosmetic concerns like teeth whitening.

Why You Shouldn’t Delay True Emergencies

Delaying emergency dental care may lead to bigger problems. An infection might spread, a cracked tooth could worsen, or a knocked-out tooth might not be saved if you wait too long.

Getting seen quickly helps preserve your natural teeth, reduces discomfort, and could help avoid more complex (and costly) procedures later. Same-day care is often the simplest and most beneficial option.

While You Wait for Your Appointment

Once your emergency visit is booked, there are a few things you can do to stay comfortable. If you’re dealing with a toothache or swelling, try rinsing your mouth with warm salty water and applying a cold compress to your cheek. Over-the-counter pain relief may help, but avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum as it can burn soft tissues.

For a broken tooth, cover sharp edges with sugarless gum or wax to protect your tongue and cheeks. If you’ve lost a crown or filling, use temporary dental cement (available from chemists) to protect the area until we can replace it.

If a tooth has been knocked out, don’t let it dry out. Place it in milk or in your cheek pocket. Avoid touching the root or scrubbing the surface.

Get Emergency Dental Care

Dental problems don’t wait for business hours, and we don’t think you should either. That’s why we keep emergency slots available every day.

At Smile Dental Studios Tarneit, we’re experienced in managing all kinds of dental emergencies, from emergency toothaches to knocked-out teeth. Our calm, gentle approach helps you feel at ease even in stressful situations. And with modern imaging and diagnostic tools, we can assess and address your concerns quickly and comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if tooth pain is an emergency?

Can a chipped tooth wait?

Will an emergency dentist pull a tooth on the same day?

Is it safe to whiten teeth often?

What’s the best toothpaste after whitening?