When a dental emergency strikes, it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s sudden pain, a broken tooth, or swelling that won’t go down, knowing what to do in the moment can make a huge difference to both your comfort and your long-term dental health.
An unexpected dental issue could leave you unable to eat, speak, work, or sleep. You may try to ignore your symptoms, but sudden oral health problems can have a dramatic impact on your life.
Dental problems don’t always happen at convenient times, but we’re here to help.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about dental emergencies, including what counts as an emergency, what to do, and how we can support you when you need us most.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires urgent care, but some problems simply can’t wait. A dental emergency typically involves:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Knocked-out, broken, or chipped teeth
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Signs of infection, such as abscesses or a high temperature
- Trauma to the mouth or jaw
If you’re unsure whether something qualifies as an emergency, it’s always best to give us a call. Our team will listen to your symptoms and let you know whether you need to be seen urgently or if it can wait for a routine appointment.
Common Dental Emergencies We See
Here are some of the most frequent dental emergencies we treat at Yor Dental — and what they could mean:
1. Toothache
A persistent or throbbing toothache might be caused by decay, an abscess, or an infection in the root of the tooth. Painkillers may offer temporary relief, but the pain often returns or worsens without treatment. Don’t ignore it. The sooner we can investigate, the better.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been knocked out completely, time is critical. If we can see you quickly enough, we may be able to fix it back in position.
Gently rinse it in milk or saliva (avoid scrubbing), and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, keep it in milk or inside your cheek until you can reach us, ideally within 30 minutes.
3. Cracked, Broken or Chipped Tooth
Damage to the enamel can expose the sensitive inner layers of the tooth, causing pain and increasing the risk of infection. Even if there’s no pain, a crack or break should be assessed quickly.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
It might not seem urgent, but a missing restoration can leave the tooth vulnerable. Keep the area clean, avoid chewing on that side, and get in touch with us as soon as possible for a repair.
5. Dental Abscess
An abscess is a serious infection that may cause intense pain, swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, or even fever. This needs prompt treatment, not just for your oral health, but to prevent the infection from spreading.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
While waiting to see the dentist, there are a few steps you can take to protect your mouth and manage discomfort:
- Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salty water, use over-the-counter pain relief, and apply a cold compress to the cheek if swollen.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), and follow the milk or replanting method mentioned above.
- Broken Tooth: Save any broken pieces, rinse your mouth gently, and cover any sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free chewing gum if needed.
- Swelling or Abscess: Use a cold compress to ease swelling and contact us immediately. Do not apply heat.
- Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding doesn’t stop after 10 minutes, seek urgent dental care.
How We Can Help
We know how stressful it can be when something goes wrong with your teeth. At Yor Dental, we offer prompt emergency appointments to get you out of pain and back to feeling like yourself again.
During an emergency visit, our priority is to:
- Relieve your discomfort
- Assess the damage
- Treat or stabilise the issue
- Plan any follow-up care that may be needed
We take a calm, compassionate approach and will always explain your options clearly so you can make the best decision for your health.
Can I Go to A&E for a Dental Emergency?
In most cases, emergency dental care should be handled by a dentist, not a hospital. A&E departments are not typically equipped to deal with tooth-related problems, and they may only offer temporary relief, such as antibiotics or painkillers.
However, if you experience:
- Severe swelling affecting your breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Trauma involving facial bones
You should seek immediate medical attention via A&E or call 999.
Preventing Future Emergencies
While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with simple habits:
- Attend regular dental check-ups and hygiene appointments
- Address minor issues before they become major problems
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports
- Avoid using teeth as tools (e.g., opening packets or bottles)
- Maintain good oral hygiene and diet
Looking after your teeth daily can significantly reduce your risk of painful surprises.
What About Nervous Patients?
If you’re worried about dental treatment or struggle with anxiety, please let us know. We’re here to help.
We provide gentle, understanding care and offer IV sedation for those who feel especially nervous or need help to feel more comfortable during treatment. You’re in safe hands with us.
Emergency Dental Care at Yor Dental
Dental pain or trauma can be frightening, but you don’t have to face it alone. The most important thing is to act quickly, stay calm, and reach out for professional help as soon as possible.
At Yor Dental, we’re committed to supporting you through every stage of your dental health, including the unexpected moments. Our team is friendly, experienced, and ready to provide the care you need when you need it most. Need Emergency Dental Care? We’re Here to Help
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please don’t wait. Call us immediately and we’ll advise you on the next steps to take.