Dental pain can sometimes be confusing—does this toothache need immediate attention, or can it wait until a regularly scheduled appointment? Making this decision isn’t always straightforward, especially when you’re already dealing with stress and discomfort. However, understanding the difference between a dental emergency and a routine concern can save you unnecessary urgent care visits while ensuring you receive timely treatment that protects your oral health.
At Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry, we’re committed to providing both emergency and routine dental care to patients throughout Las Vegas. With our community-based approach and empathetic care, we help patients navigate dental concerns of all severity levels, including those undergoing cancer treatment or having high anxiety about dental procedures.
Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care
Unfortunately, when serious dental situations occur, waiting for a regular appointment may lead to worsening issues, increased pain, or even permanent damage. Here are some key signs you should look out for that may mean you need emergency dental care:
Severe, Uncontrollable Pain
Pain that cannot be handled with over-the-counter medications and significantly impacts your ability to eat, sleep, or function typically requires immediate attention. This type of intense pain often indicates an infection or severe dental problem that should not wait.
Significant Swelling of the Face, Gums, or Neck
Swelling, especially with pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing, may indicate a severe infection such as an abscess. The bacteria that causes a dental abscess can spread to other parts of your body and may become life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth
If a tooth has been completely knocked out, quick action is essential. The American Association of Endodontists reports that teeth have the highest chance of being saved if they’re replaced or treated by a dentist within 30 minutes of the injury. Try placing the tooth back in its socket or in a glass of milk to help preserve it until you can get emergency care.
Persistent Bleeding from the Mouth
While some bleeding is normal after dental procedures or minor injuries, bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 15-20 minutes requires emergency intervention.
Broken Tooth with Severe Pain or Sharp Fragments
A tooth that is broken and is causing severe pain or has sharp edges that are cutting your tongue or cheek often requires urgent attention. This is especially true if the break exposes the inner pulp of the tooth, which is sensitive to infection.
Situations That Can Usually Wait for a Regular Appointment
Thankfully, not all dental conditions require immediate medical care. The following situations can typically wait until you can schedule a regular dental appointment:
Minor Toothaches
Pain that is mild, comes and goes, or can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers usually isn’t an emergency. However, it’s vital you don’t ignore this symptom and schedule a regular appointment to find the underlying cause.
Small Chips Without Pain
If you’ve chipped a tooth but aren’t experiencing pain and there are no sharp edges, this can typically wait for a regular appointment.
Lost Fillings, Crowns, or Bridges Without Pain
While uncomfortable and potentially concerning, a lost filling, crown or bridge that isn’t causing significant pain can usually wait a few days for a regular appointment. Many pharmacies sell temporary dental cement that can protect the area until you see your dentist.
Mild Sensitivity to Hot or Cold
New sensitivity to temperature extremes usually develops gradually and can wait for a regular appointment unless it becomes severe or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Food Caught Between Teeth
Food trapped between teeth can cause discomfort but can be addressed with gentle flossing. If you can’t remove the food on your own or if the area becomes painful or swollen, schedule a regular appointment.
Special Considerations for Cancer Patients
If you’re undergoing cancer treatment, dental emergencies may require more urgent attention due to your compromised immune system and other treatment-related factors. Mouth sores or infections that may seem minor can progress quickly in patients receiving chemotherapy. If you have a reduced platelet count, you may experience more significant bleeding from even minor dental issues. Some cancer treatments can also cause dry mouth, increasing your risk of dental decay and infections
If you’re experiencing any dental concerns during your cancer treatment, it’s vital you consult with both your oncologist and dentist to determine the appropriate course of action to treat your symptoms and reduce your risk of serious complications.
Managing Dental Anxiety in Emergency Situations
If you suffer from dental anxiety, emergencies may be particularly stressful. Because of this, you should consider the following approaches during your dental emergency:
- Communicate your anxiety clearly to the dental office
- Ask about sedation options available for emergency procedures
- Practice deep breathing or other relaxation techniques while waiting for your appointment
- Bring a supportive friend or family member to your emergency visit if possible
Having relaxation techniques and strategies in place before an emergency occurs can help make the experience more manageable and less traumatic.
When to Visit the Emergency Room vs. a Dentist
While most dentists are better equipped to handle a dental emergency, there are situations where an emergency room visit is more appropriate. These situations may include:
- Facial trauma beyond just the teeth
- Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing
- Signs of infection with fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes
- Uncontrollable bleeding that hasn’t responded to pressure
- Jaw fractures or dislocations
In these cases, you should seek medical attention first, and dental care can follow once the more serious medical concerns have been addressed.
Contact Our Las Vegas Dental Team for Emergency Care
Our community-based dental practice at Drs. Chin & Pharar Dentistry understands the importance of addressing dental emergencies promptly and compassionately. We offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible and provide sedation options for anxious patients. Our experience treating medically complex cases, including special needs patients and those undergoing cancer treatment, ensures you’ll receive knowledgeable, empathetic care during your dental emergency.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re experiencing dental pain or concerns. Our team is ready to help determine whether your situation requires emergency care or can wait for a regular appointment. Contact us at (702) 445-7075 or through our contact form to discuss your dental needs.
