What is a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies appear in many different forms. We think it is important to educate our patients on what is considered a dental emergency, and what can wait. Dental emergencies do not have one specific set of criteria, but it is generally some kind of trauma or infection that requires immediate attention. Some examples of dental emergencies include any instance in which the nerve or root of the tooth is exposed. Additionally, an abscess is another case that would require immediate attention from the Doctor. If patients have any question if something is a dental emergency or not, they should ​Contact Us ​to be certain.

How Do I Know If I Have A Dental Emergency?

Patients oftentimes confuse what is considered a dental emergency with normal pain that can wait for treatment, and understandably so. This line can be difficult to find. Essentially, dental emergencies are anything that requires immediate medical attention. For example, this often presents with teeth that have exposed roots, which are susceptible to infection. Additionally, severe trauma to teeth requires immediate attention, as a tooth left untreated may end up needing to be removed. Finally, teeth that have been knocked loose or come completely out of the socket will need immediate attention. Overall, tooth pain caused by food sensitivity or loose crowns are not dental emergencies, but we do still recommend seeking treatment soon.