Dental Emergencies Explained – What to Do, What Can Wait, and When to See a Dentist

Dental Emergencies Explained – What to Do, What Can Wait, and When to See a Dentist

Dental problems rarely happen at a convenient time. A sudden toothache, a broken tooth, or swelling in the gums can be worrying, especially if you’re unsure whether it’s a true emergency or something that can wait.

At Battersea Smiles, we regularly help patients who are unsure whether their symptoms need urgent attention. Knowing how to recognise a dental emergency, and what to do in the moment, can reduce pain, prevent complications, and protect your long term oral health.

This guide explains the most common dental emergencies, how to respond safely, and when it’s important to seek professional care.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral issue that causes severe pain, infection, bleeding, or trauma, or risks permanent damage if left untreated.

Many people assume emergencies only involve accidents, but infections and untreated decay are just as serious. In fact, the NHS advises seeking dental care urgently if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling or fever.

Severe Toothache: Why Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

A persistent or intense toothache is one of the most common reasons patients seek urgent dental care. Pain often indicates inflammation or infection inside the tooth, usually caused by decay reaching the nerve.

Patients sometimes ask whether pain will simply “go away on its own.” Unfortunately, dental pain rarely resolves without treatment. Temporary relief may occur, but the underlying issue often worsens.

Toothache may be caused by:

• Deep decay
• Infection (abscess)
• Cracked teeth
• Gum disease
• Grinding or clenching

The British Dental Association warns that delaying treatment for toothache can increase the risk of infection spreading beyond the tooth.

Swelling, Abscesses, and Infection

Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums is always a warning sign. Dental abscesses occur when bacteria enter the tooth or surrounding tissues, leading to infection and pus build-up.

You might notice:

• Facial swelling
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Fever
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Throbbing pain

Patients often wonder whether antibiotics alone will fix an abscess. While antibiotics may temporarily reduce infection, they do not remove the source. Dental treatment is always required.

The NHS confirms untreated dental abscesses can become serious if infection spreads to other areas of the body.

Chipped, Cracked or Broken Teeth

Accidents, biting hard foods, or existing weakened enamel can all cause teeth to fracture. Whether this is an emergency depends on the severity.

• Minor chips without pain may not require urgent care but should be checked.
• Cracked or broken teeth with pain or sharp edges should be seen promptly.
• Large fractures exposing the nerve are considered urgent.

If a tooth breaks, rinsing the mouth with warm water and avoiding chewing on that side can help reduce irritation until you’re seen.

For repair options, your dentist may recommend composite bonding, crowns, or other restorative treatments depending on damage.

Knocked Out Teeth – Act Fast

A completely knocked out (avulsed) tooth is one of the most time sensitive dental emergencies. Acting quickly can sometimes save the tooth.

If this happens:

• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Rinse gently if dirty (do not scrub)
• Try to place it back into the socket if possible
• If not, store it in milk or saliva
• Seek dental care immediately

The NHS guidance on dental trauma explains that reimplantation is most successful within 60 minutes.

Lost Fillings, Crowns or Bridges

Losing a filling or crown isn’t always painful, but it does leave the tooth vulnerable. Without protection, the exposed tooth can become sensitive or damaged.

Patients often ask if a lost filling is urgent. While it may not require same day care, it should be addressed promptly to prevent decay or fracture.

Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy may help short-term, but this is not a substitute for professional repair.

Bleeding Gums or Soft Tissue Injuries

Bleeding gums during brushing can signal gum disease, but sudden, heavy bleeding or injury to lips, cheeks or tongue should be checked.

If bleeding does not stop after 10-15 minutes of gentle pressure, professional assessment is recommended.

Persistent gum bleeding should never be ignored.

What Is Not Usually an Emergency?

Some issues feel urgent but can usually wait a short time:

• Mild sensitivity
• Small chips without pain
• Cosmetic concerns
• Dull aches that come and go

However, if symptoms worsen or last more than a few days, an examination is always advised.

What to Do While You Wait for Your Appointment

If you’re experiencing discomfort:

• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed (avoid placing tablets on gums)
• Rinse with warm salt water
• Avoid chewing on the affected side
• Keep the area clean

Avoid home remedies involving alcohol, aspirin on gums, or sharp objects, these can cause more harm.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

Many dental emergencies are preventable with routine care. Regular check-ups and hygiene appointments help catch problems early, before pain or infection develops.

You can reduce emergency risk by:

• Attending routine dental examinations
• Scheduling hygiene appointments
• Wearing mouthguards during sport
• Addressing grinding with night guards
• Avoiding biting very hard foods

When to Contact a Dentist Immediately

You should contact a dentist urgently if you experience:

• Severe tooth pain
• Swelling of face or jaw
• Fever linked to dental pain
• Trauma to teeth or jaw
• Persistent bleeding
• Signs of infection

If you’re unsure, it’s always better to ask. Early advice often prevents complications.

Don’t Wait in Pain

Dental emergencies are stressful, but prompt care makes all the difference. Whether it’s pain, swelling, or damage, getting advice early can protect your health and reduce the need for more complex treatment later.

At Battersea Smiles, we’re here to help patients feel reassured, informed, and supported when urgent dental issues arise.

If you’re concerned about a dental problem, contact us via the Contact Page or call 020 7228 5478 for guidance.