Is It A Dental Emergency? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

A sudden toothache, bleeding gums, or a cracked tooth—should you rush to the dentist or wait it out? Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, and knowing when to seek immediate care can make all the difference in saving your teeth and preventing serious complications. Let’s break down the top signs of a dental emergency so you’ll know when to act fast.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any condition that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, prevent infection, or save a tooth. While some issues can wait for a regular appointment, others need urgent care to avoid lasting damage.

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, keep reading for clear warning signs.

Top Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain

A minor toothache might not be an emergency, but sharp, persistent, or throbbing pain is a red flag. It could indicate:

• An abscessed tooth (infection)
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Severe decay reaching the nerve

Ignoring the pain could lead to serious infections that spread beyond your mouth.

2. Swollen Gums, Face, or Jaw

Swelling is never a good sign, especially if it’s accompanied by pain, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. It often points to:

• Gum infections (periodontal abscess)
• A spreading tooth infection
• An impacted wisdom tooth

Studies show that over 90% of dental infections originate from untreated cavities or gum disease, both of which can escalate into life-threatening conditions if left untreated.

If swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, seek emergency care immediately!

3. Bleeding That Won’t Stop

A little bleeding after brushing or flossing can be normal, but continuous, excessive bleeding could mean:

• Gum disease (advanced periodontitis).
• A deep injury to the gums or tongue.
• A blood clot dislodged after an extraction.

Uncontrolled bleeding is a medical emergency and should be addressed immediately.

4. A Knocked-Out Tooth

Did you know that a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 minutes? If this happens:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root).
• Rinse it gently with water—no scrubbing.
• Try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk or saliva.
• Get to an emergency dentist League City ASAP!

5. A Broken, Cracked, or Loose Tooth

A small chip might not be urgent, but a large crack or break can lead to severe pain and infection. If your tooth is loose or damaged, see a dentist quickly to prevent further complications.

6. Abscess or Pus Around a Tooth

A dental abscess is a pocket of infection that can cause:

• Intense pain
• Swelling
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Fever

This is a serious infection that can spread to other parts of the body, so don’t ignore it!

Don’t Take Risks with Your Dental Health!

Not all dental problems require immediate attention, but some can become serious emergencies if left untreated. If you’re dealing with severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, don’t wait—contact us right away! Our experienced team is here to provide the urgent care you need to protect your smile and overall health.