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 infection. If you're not sure, call, we'd rather tell you it can wait than have you wait in pain.

Some dental problems can wait for a regular appointment. Others can't, and waiting can make things worse, more painful, more expensive, or harder to treat. Here's what we consider a true emergency:

• 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 you can see the nerve

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

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

• Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth

• Any injury to the mouth from a fall, sports, or an accident

If your issue doesn't match any of these, like mild sensitivity that comes and goes, it likely isn't an emergency, but it's still worth getting looked at soon so it doesn't become one. When it is urgent, we offer same-day and 24-hour emergency appointments, so call us at (615) 383-7801 and we'll work you in.