Is your tooth pain or injury an emergency? Severe pain, knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, and loose adult teeth require immediate care. Minor chips or mild sensitivity can usually wait for a regular appointment, but when in doubt, call your dentist.
It happens in a split second. You trip on a curb, bite down on a popcorn kernel, or wake up with a throbbing ache that just won’t quit. Suddenly, you are standing in front of the bathroom mirror, wondering if you need to rush to the ER or if you can wait until Monday morning. At The Plano Dentist, we know that panic often sets in before the pain does. Knowing exactly what constitutes a dental emergency can save your smile and your peace of mind.
Pain Is a Clue, But Not the Only One
Pain is the body’s alarm system, but it is not always perfectly calibrated. You might have a severe infection with only dull pressure, or you might have sharp, fleeting pain from a minor issue like sensitive enamel. However, specific types of pain are red flags. Relentless, throbbing pain that keeps you awake or radiates to your jaw, neck, or ear usually signals an infection or abscess. If over-the-counter medication does not touch the pain, you need to see a dentist immediately. Swelling in the gums or face is another major indicator that you cannot afford to wait.
Dental Injuries That Need Immediate Care
Some situations are clear-cut emergencies. A knocked-out tooth is the most time-sensitive scenario in dentistry. If an adult tooth is fully avulsed, there is a very narrow window of time—usually less than an hour—in which the tooth can be successfully re-implanted. Similarly, if you suspect a broken jaw or experience uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth, this requires urgent attention. These are not wait-and-see situations; prompt action is the only way to prevent permanent damage.
Chipped vs. Broken Teeth: What’s Urgent?
Not all breaks are created equal. A small chip on the edge of a tooth might feel rough to your tongue, but if it does not hurt, it can likely wait for a normal appointment. However, a significant break or fracture is different. If a large piece of the tooth is missing, or if you see a reddish or pinkish spot in the center of the remaining tooth, the nerve is likely exposed. This is a dental emergency because bacteria can quickly infect the pulp of the tooth, leading to the need for a root canal or extraction.
Loose or Shifted Teeth After Impact
Adult teeth should never feel loose. If you take a blow to the face during sports or an accident and your teeth feel wiggly or look like they have shifted out of alignment, you need an emergency evaluation. Even if there is no visible blood, the underlying ligaments and bone structure could be damaged. Immediate stabilization by a dentist gives the tooth the best chance of tightening back up and healing correctly.
Objects Stuck Where They Don’t Belong
Getting something stuck between your teeth can be incredibly uncomfortable. While your instinct might be to use a sharp tool or a pin to pry it out, this often leads to gum injury or scratched enamel. If gentle flossing does not dislodge the object, stop. A dentist has the proper instruments to remove foreign bodies safely without causing secondary trauma to the soft tissues of your mouth.
Emergency Dental Care Close to Home
When you are in pain, you need answers fast. Taking simple steps like rinsing with warm water or using a cold compress can help manage symptoms while you head to the office. The Plano Dentist provides prompt emergency care for patients in Plano, Allen, and McKinney when injuries simply can’t wait. If you are unsure about your symptoms, picking up the phone is always the safest bet.
Contact The Plano Dentist:
469-998-0235
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
3115 W Parker Rd Ste C538
Plano, Texas
75023
