When a toothache is an emergency
Emergencies
5 min read
Dr. Ada Okonkwo
Most dental pain can wait until morning. Swelling that spreads, a knocked-out tooth and a fever cannot.
We keep morning slots free for pain, and we would rather hear from you at eight than at four. These are the situations where the clock genuinely matters.
A knocked-out adult tooth
The first hour decides it. Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root. If it is dirty, rinse it in milk or saliva for a few seconds, not under a tap. Push it back into the socket if you can and bite gently on a cloth. If you cannot, keep it in a cup of milk and come straight in. A dry tooth in a tissue rarely survives.
Swelling that is spreading
A swollen cheek, a swollen jaw, a fever, or swelling that is closing an eye or making it hard to swallow or open your mouth. Spreading infection is the one dental problem that can become dangerous, and it moves faster than people expect. Swelling near the eye or the throat means the emergency room, not our waiting room.
A broken tooth with a sharp edge
Not dangerous, but it shreds a tongue in a day. Cover it with sugar-free gum or dental wax and call us in the morning.
A crown that came off
Keep it, do not glue it back with household adhesive, and avoid chewing on that side. Most crowns can be recemented if the tooth underneath is sound.
What can wait until morning
A twinge with cold that settles, a lost filling that does not hurt, a dull ache that responds to ibuprofen, a chipped edge with no pain. Ring when we open and we will find you a slot.
Our number is (734) 555-0184. Out of hours the voicemail gives the on-call number for genuine emergencies.
This article is general information, not dental advice or a diagnosis. Results vary from person to person. If you have facial swelling or trouble breathing, call 911.
Written by
Dr. Ada Okonkwo
Reviewed by the Brightleaf clinical team.
