When to Call for Emergency Dental Care: What You Need to Know

Tooth pain at midnight? A cracked crown mid-bite? Emergencies strike when you least expect them. If you’re scrambling for help, an Emergency Dentist in Raynham can be your lifeline. Skip the panic—this guide breaks down the real signs of a dental emergency so you know when to act fast and when to breathe easy.

Severe Tooth Pain That Doesn’t Go Away

Let’s be honest—mild toothaches come and go. Maybe it’s sensitivity. Maybe you bit into something too cold. But when the pain lingers, gets worse, or feels like it’s pulsing, it’s time to act.

Consistent tooth pain could be a sign of:

• An abscess or infection
• Advanced decay hitting the nerve.
• Gum disease or trauma you didn’t notice

Severe tooth pain that keeps you from sleeping, eating, or focusing isn’t something to brush off. It’s a clear sign that you need Immediate Dental Care. Delaying treatment can lead to more severe problems, such as infection or even tooth loss. Acting quickly not only eases the pain but also protects your overall dental health.

Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth

Accidents happen fast—a trip while running, a sports injury, or even biting down wrong can knock a tooth loose or completely out. When that happens, speed is everything.

What to do immediately:

• Don’t touch the root of the tooth. Only hold it by the crown (the chewing surface).
• If dirty, gently rinse it—no scrubbing!
• Try to place it back in the socket if possible, but avoid forcing it.
• If that’s not possible, store it in milk or inside your cheek.

Then, call an Emergency Dentist near you right away. Teeth that are reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes have the best chance of surviving.

A loose tooth (not from natural causes) is no less urgent. The ligament might be damaged, and you risk losing it without fast care.

Swelling in the Face or Gums

Swelling isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s often your body’s way of yelling for help.

Swollen gums, cheeks, or jaw may signal:

• A deep dental infection (like a tooth abscess)
• A cyst or tumor in the jaw
• Allergic reaction or trauma

Any swelling that alters your facial shape or makes it difficult to breathe or swallow is a medical emergency. Call an Emergency Dental Clinic near you or go to the ER if you’re having trouble breathing.

Don’t try to “wait it out.” Dental infections can spread fast, sometimes even affecting the heart or brain in severe cases.

Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Teeth

Not all chips are created equal. A tiny chip from biting into hard candy? Probably fine to wait a day or two. A cracked molar with sharp pain and exposed nerves? Not so much.

Broken teeth can:

• Damage to surrounding tissues (like your tongue or cheeks)
• Cause infections
• Interfere with chewing and speaking.

Here’s how to know if it’s urgent:

• Is it bleeding?
• Is the tooth sensitive to hot or cold?
• Is there sharp pain when you bite down?

If the answer is yes to any of these, call an Emergency Dentist in Raynham without delay.

One patient once bit into an olive pit at a wedding dinner and ended up with half a molar missing. They waited a few days. By then, the nerve was exposed, and infection had started. Don’t let that be your story.

Lost Fillings, Crowns, or Dental Appliances

You might not feel pain right away when a crown falls off or a filling goes missing. But don’t let that fool you—this is still urgent.

Why?

Because the inside of your tooth is now exposed to:

• Food and bacteria
• Pressure from chewing
• Temperature changes

Over time, that exposure can lead to infection or damage to the remaining tooth structure.

Here’s what you can do in the moment:

• Protect the crown or filling if you can.
• Use dental wax or sugar-free gum to cover the exposed area temporarily.
• Avoid chewing on that side.

Even a loose denture or broken brace wire can become a problem if it causes sores or affects your bite. Don’t wait for it to “settle.” Most times, it won’t.

When to Wait and When to Act

Not every dental issue is an emergency. But if you’re unsure, here’s a quick checklist:

Call right away if:

• You’re in severe pain
• A tooth is loose, cracked, or knocked out
• There’s swelling in your face or gums
• You’ve lost a filling or crown and feel sharp pain or sensitivity

You can usually wait if:

• A tooth is slightly chipped with no pain
• You have a mild sensitivity to hot/cold
• You’ve lost a crown, but no pain or discomfort

Still, don’t wait too long. Problems can grow quietly in your mouth, and what’s minor today could become a full-blown emergency tomorrow.

Final Word

Don’t wait until it’s too late—your smile deserves quick, expert care. Whether it’s pain, swelling, or trauma, trust Raynham Dental Group, the Office of Dr. Michael Scanlon, for fast, compassionate help. Call now, get relief today, and take the first step toward healing. Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you. Your trusted dental team is ready.