Key Takeaways
- If you have severe pain, swelling, infection, or a knocked-out tooth, you need to see a dentist right away.
- Some problems can wait, but others need quick help to save your tooth. A good emergency dental clinic can help stop the pain and protect your teeth.
- Not all dental issues are urgent, but knowing which ones to worry about can help you feel less stressed.
- Clove Dental Santa Monica provides clear guidance and immediate support when emergencies arise.
Are you trying to figure out whether your tooth problem is a real emergency or something that can wait? If you’re in severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or at risk of losing a tooth, you should call an emergency dental clinic right away. If the issue is mild or only cosmetic, it may not need immediate treatment. At Clove Dental Santa Monica, we help patients decide quickly so they don’t second-guess what to do.
Understanding what counts as a true dental emergency can save you time, stress, and sometimes even your tooth.
What a Dental Emergency Actually Is
A dental emergency is any issue that needs urgent care to stop pain, control infection, or save a tooth. These situations often get worse if ignored.
Common signs include:
- Intense or constant pain
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- A tooth that has been knocked out or broken
- Signs of infection, like fever or a bad taste
If you’re not sure what to do, call an emergency dentist. They can tell you if you need to come in now or if you can come later.
1. Severe Toothache or Pain
Severe, throbbing pain is one of the biggest reasons patients visit us urgently. Pain is often a sign of:
- Deep decay
- A cracked tooth
- A nerve infection
- A failing filling or crown
If pain keeps you awake or doesn’t get better with basic care, it’s time to reach out.
A true emergency isn’t just uncomfortable; it usually means damage or infection is spreading. If you have a toothache, going to an emergency dentist can help you feel better and fix the problem.
2. Swelling in the Face, Jaw, or Gums
Swelling is a major warning sign. It can be caused by:
- An abscess
- Gum infection
- A broken or impacted tooth.
Swelling can happen fast and make it hard to open your mouth or swallow. If you notice swelling, a fever, or a bad taste, see a dentist immediately. Waiting too long can cause big problems.
3. Knocked-Out or Displaced Teeth
A knocked-out tooth needs to be treated within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it.
- Hold the tooth by the end that is not pointy.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it with water.
- Try to put it back where it came from.
- If not, store it in milk or saliva.
- Call an emergency dental clinic right away.
Fast action makes a huge difference. With proper care, we can usually save the tooth.
4. Broken or Cracked Teeth
A cracked tooth may not always hurt right away, but it can quickly become painful if the crack reaches the nerve. Breaks caused by injury or biting something hard should be evaluated promptly.
If your tooth cracks and you can see inside, it’s an emergency. A small chip is not a big deal and can wait. But a deep crack needs to be looked at right away at an emergency dentist to stop infection and more damage.
5. Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding after an injury or tooth extraction is normal for a short period. If you keep bleeding or it doesn’t get better, ask for help right away.
6. Lost Fillings or Crowns
This might not be a serious emergency, but it can still hurt. An exposed tooth can feel sensitive or get infected. Please call us so we can help you as soon as possible.
Situations That Aren’t Usually Emergencies
Some dental problems feel urgent but do not require immediate treatment. These include:
- Minor chips with no pain.
- Small cavities
- Slight tooth sensitivity.
- Stains or cosmetic damage.
These issues can be scheduled rather than rushed. If you’re unsure, our emergency dental clinic team will help you decide.
How We Help During a Dental Emergency
At Clove Dental Santa Monica, we do three important things when you come in for an emergency.
1. Stop the Pain
We relieve discomfort as quickly as possible.
2. Protect the Tooth
We fix or support the tooth to prevent the problem from getting worse.
3. Prevent Infection
Prompt care helps protect long-term health and avoids complications.
Our emergency dental clinic tries to take people the same day they call. We know dental problems can happen anytime.
Your Next Step When You’re Unsure
If you think something is wrong but can’t tell how serious it is, you’re not alone. Many patients hesitate because they don’t want to “overreact.” But dental problems often move quickly, and getting the right answer early can save you from pain and bigger treatment later.
When in doubt, contact an emergency dental clinic. A short call can give you clarity and help you decide the safest next step.
We’re Here When You Need Urgent Dental Care
At Clove Dental Santa Monica, we help you with dental emergencies. If you have a toothache, swelling, or a broken tooth, we make it easy and quick to get help.
If you think something is wrong, just call us. We will help you know what to do.
FAQs
What qualifies as a true dental emergency?
A true dental emergency includes severe pain, swelling, infection, or trauma such as a knocked-out tooth. These problems need same-day treatment to prevent complications.
Can I wait to see if the pain goes away on its own?
If the pain is mild and occasional, it may not require immediate care. But severe, constant, or worsening pain is a sign you should contact an emergency dental clinic right away.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, gently rinse it, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or saliva and get to an emergency dental clinic within 30–60 minutes.
Is a broken tooth considered an emergency?
A small chip without pain can wait. But a broken or cracked tooth that exposes the inner layers of the tooth needs urgent treatment.
When should I call an emergency dental clinic immediately?
Call right away if you have:
- Severe toothache
- Facial or gum swelling.
- Bleeding that won’t stop.
- A knocked-out or displaced tooth.
- Signs of infection, such as fever or foul taste