It’s a scenario no one wants to face. Maybe you’re biting into an apple and feel something crack. Or perhaps you wake up on a Saturday morning with a throbbing toothache that won’t quit. Your first thought is often, “Do I need to go to the hospital? Do I call my dentist?”
Here at our Claremont office, we get calls like this all the time. And the number one question is always the same: “Is this a real emergency?” Our goal is to give you a simple, clear guide to help you make that call. Knowing the difference between dental emergencies and a less urgent issue can save you stress, time, and maybe even a tooth.
When You Should Call Us Right Away
Some situations can’t wait. If you’re dealing with any of the following, please call our office immediately at (909) 277-6919. We always leave time in our schedule for our patients who need us most.
Uncontrolled Bleeding: If you have a injury to your mouth that won’t stop bleeding with gentle pressure, this is a sign you need professional care.
Severe, Spontaneous Pain: We’re not talking about a dull ache. We’re talking about pain that is constant, severe, and wakes you up at night or makes it impossible to focus on anything else. This often signals an infection or abscess that needs prompt attention.
A Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: This is a true race against time. If you can find the tooth, hold it by the crown (the chewing part), not the root. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with water, but don’t scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket, or keep it moist in a glass of milk. Then, call us immediately. The sooner we see you, the better the chance we can save it.
A Loose or Dislodged Tooth (for an adult): If a permanent tooth feels loose or has been pushed out of its normal position, that’s an emergency.
Signs of a Serious Infection (Abscess): Look for a painful, pimple-like bump on your gums, along with swelling in your face or jaw, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. An infection can spread, so this requires urgent care.
Situations That Could Wait for a Regular Appointment
Other issues are certainly important, but they aren’t a reason to rush to an emergency room. Generally, if you can manage the discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief and the issue isn’t getting worse by the hour, you can schedule a regular appointment with us.
A Dull, Constant Toothache: This could be something caught between teeth, or a sign of a developing cavity. Try gently flossing to see if that dislodges any food. If the pain persists for more than a day or two, give us a call to have it checked out.
A Chipped or Cracked Tooth Without Severe Pain: If the chip is small and doesn’t hurt, it’s not an emergency. Avoid chewing on that side and call us during business hours to schedule a time to have it smoothed or repaired.
A Lost Filling or Crown: This can be annoying and your tooth might be sensitive, but it’s rarely an emergency. You can use a piece of sugar-free gum or dental cement from a pharmacy to temporarily cover the area if it’s sharp, and then call us to get it fixed.
A Broken Orthodontic Wire or Retainer: If a wire is poking you, you can try pushing it to a less irritating spot with a pencil eraser. If you can’t, cover the end with a small piece of orthodontic wax or a cotton ball until you can see your orthodontist.
What About the Emergency Room?
For severe dental infections that cause significant facial swelling or difficulty breathing, or for major facial trauma, the ER is the right place. They can stabilize you, treat infections with IV antibiotics, and manage pain. However, they are not equipped to fix a broken tooth or perform a root canal. Their goal is to get you stable, after which you should follow up with us immediately for the definitive dental treatment.
Our Promise to You
Our team is here for you, whether it’s for a routine check-up or an unexpected problem. If you’re ever unsure about a dental issue, please don’t hesitate to call. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your smile. We’re proud to be your neighbors in Claremont, and we’re committed to being here when you need us most. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your treatment options.