Dental emergencies rarely happen at a convenient time. It’s often a weekend, a holiday, or after normal business hours when most dental offices are closed. If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you know how painful, stressful, and overwhelming it can be. In those moments, one of the first questions people ask is whether they should call their dentist or head to the nearest emergency room.
At Woodlake Dental Center, we’ve helped patients throughout Woodlake, Brandermill, Midlothian, and Chesterfield County navigate everything from knocked-out teeth to severe toothaches and dental infections. Knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a big difference. Below, we’ll walk through some of the most common dental emergencies and the steps you should take if one happens to you or someone you love.
A Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Few dental emergencies are more alarming than having a permanent tooth knocked out.
Whether it happens during sports, a fall, or an accident, time matters. The sooner you’re seen by a dentist, the greater the chance the tooth can be saved.
If an adult tooth is knocked out:
- Stay calm and locate the tooth.
- Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- If possible, gently place it back into the socket.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it briefly with water only.
- Do not scrub the tooth or use soap, alcohol, or chemicals.
- Keep the tooth moist at all times.
- Put the tooth in milk if you cannot gently place it back into the socket.
- Call us immediately (804) 739-9190
If you’re unable to place the tooth back into the socket, place it in a container of milk and call your dentist immediately.
If a baby tooth is knocked out:
Do not attempt to place the tooth back into the socket. Contact your dentist right away for guidance. The goal is to be evaluated as quickly as possible. A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency.
A Tooth Is Broken, Cracked, or Pushed Out of Position
Not every chipped tooth requires immediate treatment but we would still like you to call us so we can see you as soon as possible.
A small chip that isn’t causing pain can often wait a day or two. However, some fractures and injuries need immediate attention.
Signs you should call your dentist right away include:
- A large portion of the tooth has broken off
- A crack extends into the gumline
- The tooth is loose or feels unstable
- The tooth appears pushed up, pushed down, or out of alignment
- Significant swelling or bruising develops around the gums
- You are experiencing severe pain
- The tooth begins changing color after an injury
One thing we tell patients often: if a tooth suddenly doesn’t look like the others anymore, don’t ignore it.
Severe Tooth Pain Should Never Be Ignored
A toothache is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong.
Sometimes it’s a cavity. Sometimes it’s a cracked tooth. Other times it may be an infection that has reached the nerve of the tooth.
While not every toothache requires an emergency appointment, severe pain deserves prompt attention.
Call your dentist immediately if you experience:
- Intense or throbbing tooth pain
- Facial swelling
- Gum swelling
- Fever
- Pus around a tooth or gums
- Difficulty chewing
- Pain that wakes you up at night
These symptoms may indicate an infection or abscess that requires treatment.
What About a Dental Abscess?
A dental abscess is one of the most serious dental emergencies we see.
An untreated infection can spread beyond the tooth and affect other areas of the body.
Common signs include:
- Severe tooth pain
- Swelling in the face or jaw
- Swollen gums
- Bad taste or drainage in the mouth
- Fever
- Persistent bad breath
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, don’t wait. Seek dental care immediately.
Should You Go to the Dentist or the Emergency Room?
Many patients aren’t sure where to go when a dental emergency happens.
In most cases, your dentist is the best place to start.
However, if you’re experiencing any of the following, seek emergency medical care immediately:
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Severe facial trauma
- Suspected broken jaw
- Uncontrolled bleeding
For most dental emergencies involving teeth, gums, infections, or pain, your dentist is typically the most appropriate first call.
Dental Emergencies We Treat
- A knocked-out tooth
- A loose adult tooth
- Significant tooth fracture
- A tooth pushed out of position
- Swelling in the gums or face
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- A painful dental abscess
- Severe tooth pain
- Injury to the mouth from sports or an accident
- Something just doesn’t feel right
You know your body the best, if something feels off, it generally is. As your neighborhood dentist we are here when you need us most. Don’t hesitate to call us, the sooner we see you, the better, even if it is just to give you some extra peace of mind and another reason to smile =).
Local Emergency Dental Care in Midlothian
At Woodlake Dental Center, we know dental emergencies don’t happen on a schedule.
Whether you’re coming from Woodlake, Brandermill, Hampton Park, Magnolia Green, FoxCreek, Deer Run, or elsewhere in Chesterfield County, our goal is to help you get out of pain and get the care you need as quickly as possible.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office right away. The sooner you’re evaluated, the more treatment options may be available.
