Dental emergencies have a way of happening when you least expect them. One second you’re enjoying lunch, the next you’re clutching your jaw in pain or holding a broken crown in your hand. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a sudden abscess, or unbearable pain, knowing where to turn makes all the difference.
At Encino Dental Studio, we keep space in our schedule for urgent care because when something hurts, it can’t wait. Let’s walk through what counts as a dental emergency, how you should respond, and what to expect when you come in.
How long should I wait before seeing an emergency dentist?
The short version? Don’t wait. The longer version? Still, don’t wait.
Dental emergencies rarely fix themselves. In fact, they often get worse the longer you ignore them. A mild discomfort today can turn into a full-blown issue tomorrow. The sooner you get professional care, the better the outcome, and the lower the risk of needing more invasive treatment.
Here’s why acting quickly matters:
- Dental pain tends to escalate.
What starts as occasional sensitivity to hot or cold can quickly become sharp, constant pain. If you wait until the pain becomes unbearable, the problem has likely gotten more complicated. - Small issues can turn into big ones.
A minor crack might seem harmless, but if it spreads or exposes the inner pulp of your tooth, you’re now facing the risk of infection, nerve damage, or even tooth loss. - Infections don’t take days off.
Swelling, tenderness, or signs of pus should never be brushed off. Oral infections can spread to the jaw, neck, or bloodstream if untreated, leading to serious health risks. - The sooner you act, the simpler the solution.
Timely care can prevent the need for root canals, extractions, or surgical intervention. Many dental emergencies are far easier to treat when caught early. - Peace of mind is part of treatment.
Even if the issue turns out to be minor, knowing you’ve had it checked by a professional means you can stop worrying and get back to your life.
If your tooth hurts, feels loose, looks broken, or your gums are swollen and painful, don’t wait it out. Call us. Let us help you catch the problem early and treat it effectively. You’ll always be better off acting now than wishing you had later.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
It’s one of the more shocking dental emergencies, but the good news is that a knocked-out tooth can often be saved, if you move quickly and handle it the right way.
Start by finding the tooth. Hold it by the crown, which is the white part you normally see in your mouth. Avoid touching the root. If there’s dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently under water for a few seconds, but don’t scrub it. The root still has live tissue that could help it reattach if placed back properly. If you can, try to gently insert the tooth back into its socket and hold it in place with clean gauze or a soft cloth.
If reinserting it isn’t possible, place the tooth in a container of milk, or use a tooth preservation kit if you have one on hand. Water doesn’t help because it can damage the delicate cells needed for successful reattachment. Most importantly, get to the dentist within the hour. The sooner we see you, the better the chances we can save the tooth.
And yes, calling on the way is a smart move. It helps us prepare and ensures we’re ready to act the moment you walk in.
What are the most common dental emergencies?
Not every dental emergency comes with obvious bleeding or trauma. In fact, many of the cases we treat begin as something small, a twinge, a sensitivity, or a loose crown, before quickly turning into something more serious. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we see at Encino Dental Studio:
- Severe or persistent toothaches
A dull ache might not seem like a big deal, but when it escalates to sharp, throbbing pain or keeps you up at night, it’s time to act. Toothaches can signal deep decay, an infection, or a damaged nerve. The longer you wait, the more complicated the treatment becomes. - Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
Even a small crack can expose sensitive inner layers of your tooth, putting you at risk for pain, infection, or further breakage. If biting or chewing feels off, or you notice a sharp edge, don’t ignore it. What looks like a surface issue may be more serious underneath. - Knocked-out teeth
Losing a tooth from a fall, sports injury, or accident requires immediate care. With prompt treatment, ideally within the hour, there’s a good chance we can save the tooth and restore it. - Loose or partially dislodged teeth
A tooth that moves when you touch it, even if it’s not causing pain, is a red flag. Adult teeth should never feel loose. Early intervention can sometimes stabilize the tooth and prevent tooth loss. - Dental abscesses or swelling
Swelling in the gums, face, or jaw is often a sign of an infection. If you notice a pimple-like bump, intense sensitivity, or a bitter taste in your mouth, don’t wait. Infections can spread beyond the mouth and may become dangerous if untreated. - Lost crowns, fillings, or restorations
These might not seem urgent at first, but they leave parts of your tooth exposed to bacteria, heat, and pressure. This can lead to sensitivity, decay, or even a fractured tooth. Quick repair can prevent the need for more invasive procedures. - Soft tissue injuries
Biting your tongue, lip, or the inside of your cheek is common, but deep cuts or bleeding that doesn’t stop should be evaluated right away. A dental professional can clean the wound and check for additional damage. - Jaw pain or trauma
If your jaw feels locked, painful, or swollen after an impact or while chewing, it may indicate a fracture, dislocation, or issue with the joint. These problems should be treated quickly to prevent long-term complications.
If you’re dealing with any of the above, or something that simply feels off, don’t second-guess yourself. If it’s affecting how you eat, speak, sleep, or function, it’s worth getting checked out. Dental emergencies come in many forms, and our team is here to treat them all with the urgency and care they deserve.
Ready when you need us
Tooth trouble rarely shows up when it’s convenient. That’s why Encino Dental Studio offers emergency dental care for the moments that can’t wait. If you’re in pain, dealing with damage, or just unsure what to do next, give us a call or book your emergency appointment now.
