A tooth starts throbbing on Saturday morning. A crown comes off during dinner. You notice swelling around your gums and aren't sure whether you should be concerned. The first question is usually the same: Is this actually a dental emergency, or can it wait? Some dental problems need prompt attention, while others can safely wait for a regular appointment. Knowing the difference can help you protect your teeth, avoid unnecessary discomfort, and know when it's time to call a dentist.

If you're experiencing a dental problem in Delray Beach and aren't sure what to do, here's a good place to start.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Generally, a dental emergency is a problem that requires prompt attention to relieve significant pain, control infection or bleeding, or protect a tooth from further damage.

You should contact a dentist promptly if you're experiencing:

• Severe or worsening tooth pain
• Facial or gum swelling
• Signs of a dental infection or abscess
• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• Significant trauma to a tooth or mouth
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• A broken tooth that's painful or has exposed the inside of the tooth

Not every one of these situations will require the same treatment. The important thing is getting the problem evaluated so you know what you're dealing with. If you're unsure, call the dental office and describe what's happening. They can help determine how quickly you should be seen.

Severe Toothache: Don't Ignore It

A mild, occasional sensitivity to something cold isn't necessarily an emergency. But persistent, severe or worsening tooth pain deserves attention, particularly if the pain is keeping you awake, hurts when you bite, or doesn't improve with time. Tooth pain can have several causes, including decay, a cracked tooth, inflammation inside the tooth, or infection. The sooner the cause is identified, the more options you may have for treating it.

Swelling or a Dental Abscess: Call a Dentist Promptly

Swelling in your gums, jaw, or face can be a sign of infection and shouldn't be ignored.

Other signs of a possible dental infection can include:

• A painful or swollen area on the gums
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Pain when chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Fever or feeling unwell
• Swelling of the face or jaw

Dental infections don't reliably resolve on their own. Even if the pain temporarily improves, the underlying problem may still need treatment. If swelling is rapidly increasing, extends toward the eye or neck, or you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Learn more about infection control.

Broken or Chipped Tooth: It Depends

A tiny chip that doesn't hurt can often wait for a regular dental appointment. A significant fracture is different.

Call a dentist sooner if:

• The tooth is painful
• A large portion has broken off
• You can see a deeper layer inside the tooth
• The tooth is extremely sensitive
• The broken edge is cutting your tongue or cheek
• The tooth broke following significant trauma

Even when a broken tooth doesn't hurt, it's still worth having it evaluated. A fracture can sometimes extend farther than what you can see.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth: This Is an Emergency

A knocked-out permanent tooth is one situation where time really matters. Contact a dentist immediately.

Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket without forcing it. If that isn't possible, keep it moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution while you seek care. The sooner you're evaluated, the better the chance may be of saving the tooth.

Important: This advice applies to permanent teeth. Do not attempt to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into its socket.

Lost Filling: Usually Not an Emergency, But Don't Forget About It

Losing a filling doesn't necessarily require an emergency appointment if you're comfortable and the tooth is otherwise intact. However, the tooth is no longer protected the way it was before. Avoid chewing hard or sticky foods on that side and schedule an appointment to have it evaluated. If the tooth becomes painful, extremely sensitive, or begins breaking, contact your dentist sooner.

Learn more about filings.

Lost Crown: Call Your Dentist

A crown coming off can feel alarming, but it isn't always an emergency. Keep the crown if you have it and contact your dentist. Depending on the condition of the crown and the tooth underneath it, it may be possible to recement it or another restoration may be necessary.

Don't use household glue to put it back on.

If the underlying tooth is painful, broken, or extremely sensitive, you should be evaluated more promptly.

Learn more about Crowns & Bridges.

Wisdom Tooth Pain: When Should You Be Seen?

Some discomfort around an erupting wisdom tooth can occur without being an emergency. But significant pain, swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, drainage, or signs of infection should be evaluated promptly. Sometimes the issue can be managed conservatively. Other times, wisdom tooth removal may be recommended. An examination and appropriate imaging can help determine what's actually causing the symptoms and what your options are.

Learn more about wisdom tooth removal.

When Can a Dental Problem Usually Wait?

Not every dental issue requires a same-day appointment.

Problems that can often wait for a regularly scheduled visit include:

• Minor chips without pain
• Mild sensitivity that comes and goes
• A lost filling without pain or damage
• Minor irritation from braces or dental appliances
• Cosmetic concerns
• Small areas of discoloration you've recently noticed

That doesn't mean you should ignore them indefinitely. It simply means they may not require emergency treatment. When in doubt, call and ask. You don't have to diagnose the problem yourself.

What Happens at an Emergency Dental Visit?

An emergency appointment is primarily about figuring out what's causing the problem and what needs to happen next. Depending on your symptoms, your visit may include an examination and X-rays or other imaging.

Your dentist should explain:

• What they see
• What's likely causing your symptoms
• Whether treatment is urgent
• What treatment options are available
• What may happen if you choose to wait

Sometimes treatment can be completed that day. Other situations may require a follow-up visit or care from a specialist. The goal should be to address the immediate problem while making sure you understand your options.

Learn more about emergency exams.

What If You're Not Sure About the Recommended Treatment?

Dental emergencies can be stressful, especially when you're in pain and suddenly faced with an unexpected treatment decision. You should still feel comfortable asking questions. Ask your dentist to show you what they're seeing and explain why they're recommending a particular treatment. Depending on the situation, there may be more than one reasonable option. When a situation isn't time-sensitive, it's okay to seek another perspective before making a significant treatment decision.

Read more about what happens when you need a second opinion.

Looking for an Emergency Dentist in Delray Beach?

If you're experiencing tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth, or another unexpected dental problem, you shouldn't have to figure out on your own whether it can wait. At Honest Practices Dental, we provide emergency dental care in Delray Beach and will help you understand what's happening, how urgently it needs to be addressed, and what options are available. Our general dentistry and oral surgery capabilities also allow us to evaluate and treat a wide range of urgent dental problems in one practice. Most importantly, we'll explain what we see and why we're recommending treatment so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Experiencing a dental emergency? Call Honest Practices Dental at 561-206-2973 or schedule an appointment online.