What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any issue involving severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, a knocked-out or loose tooth, a broken tooth exposing the nerve, or swelling that could signal an infection. If you’re unsure, call us—we’d rather tell you it can wait than have you wait in pain.

Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

Some dental problems can wait for a regular appointment. Others can’t, and delaying treatment may make the problem more painful, expensive, or difficult to treat.

We generally consider the following situations dental emergencies:

• Severe or throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t ease up

• A knocked-out or badly loosened tooth

• A broken or chipped tooth, especially if it’s painful or the nerve is visible

• A lost filling or crown that is causing pain or exposing the tooth

• Swelling in the face or gums, or another sign of infection

• Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth

• An injury to the mouth caused by a fall, sport, or accident

Lost Fillings, Crowns, and Broken Teeth

A damaged restoration or tooth may require prompt treatment, particularly if the affected area is painful or exposed. Learn more about our dental fillings and crowns and bridges to understand how we can restore and protect damaged teeth.

When to Contact an Emergency Dentist

If your issue doesn’t match any of the situations above—such as mild sensitivity that comes and goes—it may not be an emergency. However, it is still worth having it examined before it develops into a more serious problem.

When treatment is urgent, we offer same-day and 24-hour emergency appointments. Call us at (615) 383-7801, and we’ll do our best to work you in.