Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, causing intense dental pain and potential long-term damage if not addressed promptly. Every year, around 2 million Americans end up in an emergency room for dental emergencies that could be avoided or addressed by an emergency dentist. 

While some dental emergencies are obvious, some people struggle to tell the difference between dental discomfort that can wait for a regular appointment and true emergencies that require immediate attention. Additionally, knowing what to do in certain dental emergencies can ensure that you are able to save the tooth and restore your smile. 

Read on to learn the signs of a dental emergency, how to handle one, and where to find the best emergency dentist in Robbinsville Township. 

Six Dental Emergencies that Require an Immediate Visit to the Dentist

While some dental issues can wait for an appointment, certain situations demand urgent dental care. When these dental problems arise, waiting even a day could mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth or developing more serious health complications. 

1. Severe or Persistent Toothache

When dental pain continues despite over-the-counter medications, your body is waving a red flag. Persistent dental pain may indicate deep tooth decay, a tooth infection, or an abscess that has reached the tooth's nerve center. These conditions won't resolve without professional dental care, and the longer you wait, the more damage occurs beneath the surface. Delaying dental treatment can lead to more severe complications, including tooth loss or the spread of infection to surrounding tissues. 

2. A Knocked-Out Tooth

Losing a tooth due to trauma is always a dental emergency. Medically, this is known as a dental avulsion, and time is of the essence to preserve the tooth's viability. There are several steps you should know if you find yourself or a loved one in this situation: 

  • Ideally, you should see a dentist within 30 minutes of the incident. 
  • When handling the dislodged tooth, touch only the crown, not the root
  • Gently rinse the tooth with milk or saliva without scrubbing it, then try to reinsert it into its socket carefully
  • If reinserting the tooth isn't possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva until you reach the emergency dentist
  • Avoid using water to wash or store the tooth

These quick actions significantly increase the chances of saving your natural tooth and preventing the need for artificial replacements.

3. Signs of an Abscess in the Mouth

Swelling in your mouth is a warning signal that shouldn't be ignored, as it can indicate an infection that can rapidly worsen without treatment. A dental abscess is a painful, pus-filled pocket caused by bacterial infection that can develop at the root of a tooth or between teeth and gums, creating noticeable swelling in your face or gums. 

Beyond the visible swelling, you might experience fever, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw, and a persistent foul taste in your mouth. These symptoms also indicate that you need immediate dental attention. Seeing a dentist right away will ensure that the abscess is draining, appropriate antibiotics are prescribed, and the underlying cause is addressed before it escalates into a more serious health emergency.

4. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth

A broken, chipped, or cracked tooth requires immediate attention, even if it doesn't cause pain right away. When a tooth's protective enamel is compromised, the sensitive inner layers become vulnerable to bacteria, potentially exposing nerves and leading to infection. Even seemingly minor fractures can trigger significant pain and temperature sensitivity when eating or drinking. 

Beyond the discomfort, damaged teeth often have sharp edges that can lacerate your tongue, cheeks, or gums, creating additional problems. Timely dental care can prevent infection, preserve the tooth's structure, and restore both function and appearance through dental bonding, crowns, or other treatments before the damage worsens.

5. Uncontrolled Bleeding from the Mouth

While minor bleeding after flossing or brushing might occur occasionally, bleeding that continues despite applying pressure for 15 to 20 minutes can mean something more concerning. This uncontrolled bleeding may result from significant oral trauma, advanced gum disease, or complications following dental procedures. 

In some cases, it could reveal underlying health conditions affecting blood clotting, such as certain medications, liver disease, or blood disorders. Emergency dental care is important not only to stop the immediate bleeding but also to identify and address the root cause before it leads to severe blood loss or masks more serious health problems.

6. Loose or Dislodged Tooth

A tooth suddenly becoming loose or shifting from its normal position is a genuine dental emergency, even if it remains partially attached. This concerning development can result from direct trauma to the face, like a sports injury or fall, or may indicate advanced gum disease that has damaged the supporting structures around the tooth. 

The window for saving a loose tooth is limited. Without prompt dental care, the tooth may lose its blood supply and require extraction. An emergency dentist can often stabilize the tooth using specialized techniques like splinting, where the loose tooth is temporarily bonded to adjacent teeth for support. During your emergency visit, the dentist will address the underlying cause to prevent further tooth mobility and preserve your natural smile.

Where to Find the Best Emergency Dentist in Robbinsville Township

Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time, but getting care shouldn’t feel like a hassle. At Mercer Smiles in Robbinsville, we’re ready when you need us most, with flexible hours and same-day appointments designed to ease pain and restore peace of mind. Whether you’re dealing with a knocked-out tooth, sudden swelling, or a crown that won’t stay put, our experienced team moves quickly and calmly to assess the situation and deliver relief. 

We know how stressful a dental emergency can be, which is why we prioritize comfort, clear communication, and swift solutions from the moment you call. Our goal is simple: get you out of pain and back to feeling like yourself, without the added stress.

Experiencing a dental emergency and looking for the best emergency dentist in Robbinsville Township?