How to Know When You Need Emergency Dental Care
Dental problems don’t always happen at convenient times. A severe toothache may start suddenly, a tooth can break while you’re eating, or an injury can damage your teeth without warning. When something unexpected happens, knowing where to turn for emergency dental care can help you get the attention you need.
At Cheyenne Mountain Dental Care, we provide personalized dental care for patients in Colorado Springs and surrounding communities. Our team can evaluate urgent dental concerns and help determine the appropriate next steps for protecting your oral health.
If you need to schedule a dental appointment with our emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, call Cheyenne Mountain Dental Care at (719) 576-1730. We proudly serve patients throughout Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, and surrounding communities.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a problem that requires prompt professional evaluation because delaying care could lead to worsening pain, additional damage, or complications. Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- A broken or fractured tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- A loose or displaced permanent tooth
- Significant swelling around the tooth or gums
- A dental abscess or suspected infection
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- An injury to the mouth or teeth
- A lost or damaged dental restoration
- Significant sensitivity following dental trauma
7 Signs You Should See an Emergency Dentist
1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
A toothache that is severe, persistent, or getting worse should not be ignored. Tooth pain can have several causes, including tooth decay, a damaged tooth, infection, or inflammation inside the tooth. Pain medication may temporarily reduce discomfort, but it does not address the underlying dental problem. An examination can help determine what’s causing the pain and whether treatment is needed.
2. A Broken or Cracked Tooth
Teeth can break or crack from an injury, biting down on something hard, decay, or normal wear over time. A minor chip may not always require emergency treatment, but a larger fracture can expose sensitive tooth structure or damage the inside of the tooth. If you’ve broken a tooth, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and contact your dentist for guidance.
3. A Knocked-Out Tooth
A permanent tooth that has been completely knocked out requires prompt attention. If possible, handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root. Avoid scrubbing or removing tissue from the tooth. Contact a dentist immediately for instructions and seek emergency dental care as quickly as possible. Time can be an important factor when a permanent tooth has been knocked out.
4. Swelling or Signs of Infection
Swelling around a tooth, gums, or face can be a sign of an infection. Other possible signs include:
- Persistent tooth pain
- Sensitivity to pressure
- A bad taste in the mouth
- A pimple or bump on the gums
- Fever
- Facial swelling
Dental infections should be evaluated promptly. If an infection spreads beyond the immediate area, it can become a serious health concern.If you have significant facial swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.
5. Dental Trauma
An accident, sports injury, fall, or other impact can damage teeth and the surrounding tissues. Even if a tooth doesn’t appear broken, an injury can cause damage that isn’t immediately visible. After significant dental trauma, a dental examination can help determine whether the tooth, root, or surrounding structures have been affected.
6. Uncontrolled Bleeding
Bleeding following dental treatment or an injury may sometimes be expected, but bleeding that is heavy or doesn’t stop should be evaluated. Follow any instructions provided by your dental team after treatment. If you’re experiencing significant or uncontrolled bleeding, contact your dentist promptly or seek emergency medical attention when appropriate.
7. A Damaged Dental Restoration
Crowns, fillings, bridges, and other dental restorations can sometimes become loose, damaged, or displaced. A damaged restoration may expose the underlying tooth to additional damage or sensitivity.
Contact your dentist if a restoration breaks or comes loose. Your dental team can determine whether you need urgent treatment and how to protect the tooth until you can be seen.
What Should You Do During a Dental Emergency?
When a dental emergency happens, try to remain calm and contact your dental office as soon as possible. While you’re waiting for professional guidance:
- Avoid chewing with the affected area
- Keep the area clean
- Follow your dentist’s instructions
- Save a broken piece of tooth or restoration if possible
- If a tooth has been knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown
- Avoid placing aspirin directly against your gums or tooth
- Don’t delay treatment if symptoms are severe or worsening
Can a Toothache Be a Dental Emergency?
Sometimes. A mild toothache that resolves quickly may not require emergency treatment. However, persistent or severe tooth pain can indicate an underlying problem that needs professional attention.
Contact your dentist if tooth pain:
- Is severe
- Lasts for more than a short period
- Wakes you during the night
- Gets worse over time
- Occurs with swelling
- Makes it difficult to eat
- Is accompanied by fever or other signs of infection
It’s better to have persistent pain evaluated than to assume it will resolve on its own.
What Happens During an Emergency Dental Appointment?
The first step is determining what’s causing your symptoms. At Cheyenne Mountain Dental Care, your emergency visit may include:
- A discussion of your symptoms
- Review of your dental history
- Examination of the affected tooth or area
- Evaluation of your gums and surrounding tissues
- Dental X-rays or other diagnostic imaging when appropriate
- Discussion of treatment options
- Recommendations for follow-up care
Your dentist will consider the severity and cause of your dental problem when determining the appropriate treatment.
How to Prevent Some Dental Emergencies
Not every dental emergency can be prevented, but good preventive care can reduce the risk of some problems. We recommend:
- Brushing twice a day
- Cleaning between your teeth every day
- Keeping up with regular dental examinations and cleanings
- Addressing tooth decay before it becomes more serious
- Wearing a mouthguard during appropriate sports activities
- Avoiding chewing ice or other extremely hard objects
- Following your dentist’s recommendations
- Replacing damaged or worn dental restorations when recommended
Get Help for Your Dental Emergency
When you’re dealing with a dental emergency, professional guidance can help you understand your next steps. Whether you’re experiencing severe tooth pain, a broken tooth, swelling, dental trauma, or another urgent concern, Cheyenne Mountain Dental Care is here to help patients throughout Colorado Springs and surrounding communities.
Call our dental team in Colorado Springs at (719) 576-1730 to schedule your first dental appointment. We proudly serve patients in Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs, Fountain, Monument, and surrounding communities.