The Most Common Dental Emergencies Explained

1. Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is an infection associated with the tooth or gum. Symptoms may include:

• Severe, throbbing pain

• Facial swelling

• A tender lump on the gum

• A bad taste or discharge

• Fever or feeling generally unwell

Abscesses need prompt attention; if not managed, the infection could spread. Routine dental check-ups allow early identification of teeth that have potential to cause infection.

2. Severe Toothache

All toothaches should be investigated. A toothache that becomes constant, intense, or affects daily activities can be considered severe toothache. Patients often report:

• Sensitivity to hot or cold

• Pain that disturbs sleep

• Sharp pain on biting

• Continuous throbbing discomfort

• Pain that radiates and feels like it is affecting nearby teeth

• Pain that is not relieved with over-the-counter pain relief

Regular examinations and hygiene care help identify early signs of decay or inflammation, reducing the risk of sudden, severe pain.

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A fractured tooth may cause:

• Sharp edges

• Sensitivity

• Pain when eating

• Visible loss of tooth structure

Small cracks or weakened areas are often picked up during routine dental check-ups before they break unexpectedly.

4. Chipped Veneer or Cosmetic Damage

A tooth does not have to be painful for it to be considered a dental emergency. Cosmetic emergencies commonly affect the appearance of one of your front teeth. This may include a chipped veneer, damage to an existing filling, or a broken front tooth. It can affect:

• Appearance

• Confidence

• Comfort when speaking or eating

Even when not painful, these situations will likely still feel urgent. We are happy to see patients promptly for cosmetic issues, especially when they impact day-to-day life. Routine reviews help ensure veneers, crowns, and bonding are assessed for any potential areas of weakness that may warrant planning for a replacement before it fails unexpectedly.

5. Lost Filling, Crown, or Bridge

When a restoration becomes loose or falls out, patients often experience:

• Sensitivity

• Food trapping

• Sharp edges

• Difficulty chewing

Regular dental visits include checking the condition of all existing restorations. Early detection of wear or deterioration can allow a solution to be planned for, helping to avoid sudden failure.

6. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most time-critical dental emergencies. Common symptoms and concerns include:

• A visible gap

• Bleeding from the socket

• Immediate pain or shock

Attending a dentist quickly offers the best chance of saving the tooth. Wearing a custom mouthguard during sport significantly reduces this type of emergency. If you knock out a front tooth, make sure it is clean and reinsert it into the socket if you feel comfortable doing so. Otherwise, store the tooth in saliva or cow’s milk until you are able to see the dentist.

7. Wisdom Tooth Pain

When wisdom teeth cause problems, patients may experience:

• Swelling around the gums

• Pain at the back of the mouth

• Difficulty opening their mouth fully

• Bad taste or discomfort when chewing or brushing

Routine reviews allow dentists to assess the position of wisdom teeth and advise if treatment or removal may be beneficial before symptoms escalate.

8. Gum Swelling or Infection

Gum infections often present with:

• Redness

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Bleeding

• Pain on chewing, brushing, or pressure

Regular hygiene appointments allow removal of plaque and calculus (tartar), but also provide education on how to look after the teeth and gums to reduce this build-up in the first place. This reduces the risk of gum inflammation and infection.