How to Know When You Have a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can seemingly strike out of nowhere. Whether you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth or a severe toothache, swift action can help save your tooth and alleviate any discomfort you’re feeling. 

That’s why our team of providers reserves appointments for dental emergencies at our Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces offices in San Antonio, Helotes, and Shavano Park, Texas. 

But how do you know if you’re dealing with a true dental emergency or a less urgent matter? Take a moment and learn to identify the top signs that you’re dealing with a dental emergency.

You have a severe toothache

Persistent or intense tooth pain that interferes with your daily activities is one of the first warning signs of a dental emergency. The only way to eliminate a toothache is to treat the underlying cause of your pain. 

Potential culprits include:

• Tooth infection
• Abscesses
• Trauma 
• Deep cavity (especially if your nerve is compromised) 

Depending on the root cause of your toothache, your symptoms may come on slowly (such as a small cavity that eventually worsens) or quickly (such as a crack that results from a blow to the face). 

You have facial swelling

Facial swelling that’s accompanied by pain, fever, or pus drainage are all warning signs that an infection or dental abscess is brewing. Dental abscesses — serious conditions that require immediate treatment to prevent the spread of infection and potential complications such as sepsis — are considered dental emergencies. So if you notice swelling or signs of an abscess, don’t postpone emergency dental care.

In addition to swelling, a fever, and a pimple-like bump on your gums, you might notice that you have a foul smell (or taste) in your mouth. This can also be a sign of an infection.

Your tooth is broken or knocked out

A broken, cracked, or fractured tooth can expose the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, which then increases your risk of infection. If you experience a dental injury that results in a broken, partially avulsed, or fully avulsed tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and seek immediate dental attention at the Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces location closest to you.

If any part of your tooth was knocked out, keep it moist in the socket (if possible), in the side of your cheek, or in a tooth-saver kit (available in dental first aid kits). Don’t store your knocked-out tooth in water.

Ideally, try to get professional care within 30 minutes for the best chances of saving your tooth. Knocked-out teeth can sometimes reattach if they’re splinted in time.

You have persistent bleeding

Bleeding from your gums, tongue, lips, or oral tissues following an injury requires urgent evaluation. Excessive bleeding after a procedure — such as a tooth extraction — also warrants a call to our office.

Your dental restoration is damaged

If a dental restoration, such as a filling, crown, or bridge, becomes loose, dislodged, or damaged, give us a call right away. Leaving a compromised restoration untreated can expose your underlying tooth structure to decay, infection, or further damage.

Something is stuck between your teeth

If something is lodged between your teeth or gums, try flossing to remove it. If that doesn’t work, give us a call. Never try to remove a foreign object with tweezers or other sharp metal instruments. 

What to do if you spot the signs of a dental emergency

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to worsening pain, systemic infection, and potential tooth loss. The good news is that you can take action right away:

• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Take over-the-counter pain medication
• Swish salt water to cleanse your mouth
• Follow dental first aid steps for any knocked-out teeth
• Use a temporary filling kit (also in dental first aid kits) to temporarily protect a lost filling

These steps are temporary measures to reduce pain while you head to our office. Once here, our team confirms the source of your pain and recommends the appropriate treatments for you. Depending on the type of dental emergency you have, you might benefit from antibiotics, a new filling, a root canal, dental splinting, bonding, or a combination of treatments. 

If your dental emergency was the result of a sports injury, the Smile Structure Dentistry & Braces team may recommend a mouthguard to help prevent future injuries.

Tip: Save our number in your phone so it’s at your fingertips if a dental emergency should arise: 210-572-2394. For less urgent matters, you can request an appointment by clicking here.