What Counts as a Dentist Emergency? Know the Signs and Take Action

Dental problems have a way of showing up when you least expect them. A sharp toothache, a chipped tooth after dinner, or sudden swelling in your jaw—these situations can leave you wondering if it’s time to panic or wait it out. Knowing what qualifies as a dentist emergency is crucial to avoiding complications and getting back to comfort quickly.

At Tempe Family Dentistry, we help Tempe residents get fast, effective treatment when the unexpected happens. If you’re wondering whether your symptoms are serious enough for dentist emergency care, this guide will help you understand the most common signs—and what you should do next.

When Is It a Dentist Emergency?

Some dental issues are inconvenient, while others are urgent. A dentist emergency is any dental situation that needs prompt treatment to stop severe pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. Here are the top signs that it’s time to call our office immediately:

• Severe tooth pain that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter medication
• Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums, especially if accompanied by fever
• A knocked-out tooth, which can sometimes be reimplanted if treated quickly
• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth causing sharp edges or exposed nerves
• Uncontrolled bleeding following a dental procedure or injury
• Infections or abscesses, often indicated by pus, throbbing pain, and swelling
• Soft tissue injuries to the lips, gums, or inside of the cheeks
• Lost or loose dental restorations, especially if causing pain or exposing the tooth

These conditions are not just uncomfortable—they can become dangerous if left untreated. If you’re unsure, treat it like a dentist emergency and call us. It’s always better to get expert advice than delay care.

Common Types of Dentist Emergency Visits

At Tempe Family Dentistry, we treat a wide variety of dentist emergency cases every week.
Some are trauma-related, while others result from untreated dental issues that escalate. Here are the most common situations we see:

Severe Toothaches
A persistent, intense toothache is often a sign of deep decay, an exposed nerve, or an infection. If the pain interferes with your ability to eat, sleep, or concentrate, it’s time to seek dentist emergency care.

Broken or Chipped Teeth
Whether you bit into something hard or experienced a facial injury, a broken tooth can expose sensitive areas and lead to long-term damage. We can often restore the tooth with bonding, a crown, or other treatment—especially if you act quickly.

Knocked-Out Tooth
If you lose a tooth entirely, time is critical. The best chance to save and reattach a knocked-out tooth is within one hour. Keep the tooth moist in milk or saliva and bring it to your dentist emergency appointment right away.

Infections and Abscesses
Dental infections can spread rapidly if not addressed. An abscess may cause swelling, a bad taste in your mouth, and even fever. It’s a serious dentist emergency that needs immediate attention to prevent more severe health risks.

Lost Fillings or Crowns
While not always painful at first, a lost crown or filling leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and decay. If the area becomes sensitive or starts to hurt, it qualifies as a dentist emergency.

What to Do in a Dentist Emergency

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a dentist emergency, staying calm and taking the right steps can make a big difference:

1. Call Tempe Family Dentistry right away at (480) 839-0330. Our friendly team will help you understand whether you need same-day care.
2. Use cold compresses on swollen areas of the face or jaw to ease pain and reduce swelling.
3. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce bacteria.
4. If a tooth is knocked out, handle it carefully by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and keep it moist.
5. For bleeding, use clean gauze and apply gentle pressure until it slows.

Your best move is always to contact us quickly. We offer flexible scheduling for dentist emergency appointments and prioritize patients in pain or distress.

Why Choose Us for Your Dentist Emergency?

At Tempe Family Dentistry, we understand that a dentist emergency is never convenient. That’s why we offer same day visits when possible, quick diagnostic tools, and compassionate care that helps you feel safe and supported.
Our team is trained to handle everything from injuries to infections. We use the latest dental technology to quickly assess the issue, ease your pain, and plan the right treatment—all under one roof.

Patients in Tempe choose us for their dentist emergency needs because:

• We make time for urgent cases—often the same day you call
• Our team listens carefully and treats you like family
• We offer a full range of emergency treatments, from fillings to extractions
• We focus on comfort, efficiency, and long-term dental health

You don’t have to suffer through dental pain. Whether it’s 10 a.m. or right before closing, we’re here when it matters most.

Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. If you think you’re having a dentist emergency, call Tempe Family Dentistry at (480) 839-0330 now to make an appointment.

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