How to Know If You Have a Dental Emergency or If It Can Wait
A true dental emergency is any situation where you're at risk of permanent damage, severe infection, or unmanageable pain. If you're in serious pain, have a knocked-out tooth, or are dealing with swelling or bleeding, you need emergency dental care right away. On the other hand, minor chips, sensitivity, or lost fillings can usually wait a bit longer. At North State Dental we help patients figure out what needs urgent treatment and what can be managed temporarily at home until the next available appointment.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems are true emergencies that need immediate care. Others are less urgent and can wait a day or two without risking serious harm. These problems need same-day or next-day care:
Knocked-out tooth
Loose or dislodged permanent tooth
Large chip or crack with sharp edges or exposed nerve
Severe toothache that prevents sleeping or eating
Facial swelling with fever or signs of spreading infection
Bleeding that won't stop
If you experience any of these symptoms, call our Redding office right away. We reserve time in our schedule for dental emergencies and will help relieve your pain and protect your oral health as quickly as possible.
What Problems Are Urgent But Can Wait?
Some dental issues are uncomfortable but don't pose immediate risk. These situations are important to address soon, but they typically don’t require same-day care:
Broken or lost filling or crown without pain
Small chip or crack in a tooth without nerve exposure
Mild tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweets
Food or object stuck between teeth
Dull or occasional tooth pain
These problems should still be treated promptly, but we can often schedule them within a few days. If you're unsure, give us a call. We'll help you decide the best course of action based on your symptoms.
What Can You Do At Home While Waiting?
Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
Use dental wax to cover a jagged edge
Avoid chewing on the affected side
Apply a cold compress for swelling or discomfort
Never try to fix a dental problem with household tools or by forcing anything back into place. Doing so can cause more harm and make professional care more difficult.
FAQ
Is a cracked tooth always an emergency?
Not always. If the crack causes pain, involves the nerve, or exposes sharp edges, call us right away. If it's a small chip with no discomfort, we may schedule you within a few days.
What if I lose a crown?
Keep the crown and call us. If there's no pain, it may not be urgent, but we still want to repair it quickly to prevent damage.
Can I go to the ER for dental pain?
Emergency rooms can help with severe infection or facial trauma but are not equipped to handle most dental problems. Call your dentist first.
What to do when my child's tooth gets knocked out?
Place the tooth in milk or saline and come to our office immediately. Time is critical for saving the tooth.
Do you take emergency appointments at North State Dental?
Yes. We reserve time daily for urgent dental needs and do our best to see you as soon as possible.
