Short answer
A dental emergency is severe pain, bleeding, swelling or an injury to a tooth that cannot wait for a routine visit. Call a dentist as soon as you can. Go to a hospital emergency department or call 911 if you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading to your face or neck, or bleeding that will not stop.
What counts as a dental emergency?
These problems usually need prompt attention:
- Severe or lasting tooth pain.
- A tooth knocked out or loosened by an injury.
- A broken or cracked tooth, especially with pain or bleeding.
- Swelling in the face, jaw or gums, or a painful bump on the gum.
- Bleeding in the mouth that does not slow down.
- A lost filling or crown that leaves a tooth sharp or sore.
A mild sensitivity to hot or cold, or a small chip with no pain, can often wait for a regular visit. If you are not sure, call and describe what is happening.
Dentist or hospital?
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist. Go to a hospital emergency department or call 911 if you have:
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Swelling that is spreading to your face, eye or neck.
- A serious injury to the face or jaw.
- Bleeding that will not stop.
- A fever along with facial swelling.
What to do right now
Toothache
Rinse your mouth gently with warm water. Floss softly in case food is stuck. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever as the label directs. Do not place a painkiller directly on the gum. Call a dentist.
Knocked-out adult tooth
Time matters, so call a dentist right away. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part) and not the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there. If not, keep it moist in milk or a tooth-saving solution. Do not let it dry out. Get to a dentist as soon as possible.
Broken or chipped tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water. Save any pieces you can. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding, and use a cold compress on the cheek for swelling. Call a dentist.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the crown if you can and bring it with you. Avoid chewing on that side. Call a dentist to have the tooth protected.
Swelling or a painful bump on the gum
This can be a sign of infection. Call a dentist the same day if you can. If swelling spreads, or you have a fever or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the emergency department.
Bitten or cut lip or tongue
Clean the area gently with water and press with clean gauze. Use a cold compress for swelling. If bleeding will not stop, go to the emergency department.
What to avoid
- Do not ignore swelling or put off a call because the pain has eased. Infection can spread.
- Do not try to remove a lodged object or fix a tooth yourself with household glue.
- Do not chew on a cracked or sore tooth.
- Do not apply heat to a swollen face.
What a dentist may do
The first goal is to relieve pain and protect the tooth. Depending on what is wrong, your dentist may repair or replace a filling or crown, treat an infection, perform a root canal, or remove a tooth that cannot be saved. You will be told what is needed and why before treatment starts.
When you call the clinic
Have these details ready: where the pain is, when it started, whether there is swelling or bleeding, whether the tooth was injured, and any medications or health conditions. This helps the team decide how soon you need to be seen.
Preventing dental emergencies
- Wear a mouthguard for contact sports.
- Do not chew ice, hard candy or pen caps.
- Do not use your teeth to open packages.
- Keep regular check-ups so small problems are found early.
Frequently asked questions
- What counts as a dental emergency?
- Severe pain, swelling, bleeding, a knocked-out tooth, or a broken tooth with pain. Call a dentist if you are unsure.
- Can I go to the ER for a toothache?
- An emergency department can help with severe swelling, trouble breathing, or serious injury. For most toothaches, a dentist is the right place because they can treat the cause of the pain.
- What can I do for tooth pain until I am seen?
- Rinse with warm water, use an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed, and avoid chewing on the sore side.
- What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
- Hold it by the crown, rinse it gently, keep it moist, and see a dentist right away.
- Should I wait or call right away?
- Call right away for severe pain, swelling, bleeding or an injury. Waiting can allow infection or damage to get worse.
Next step
If you have a dental emergency, call the clinic. Wetaskiwin Smiles is at 3600 56 St Unit 101, Wetaskiwin, AB T9A 3T5. Call (780) 396-4040 or request an appointment online. You can also read about the clinic's emergency dental service.