Dental Emergency
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Dental Emergencies:
Some examples of dental emergencies are sudden throbbing pain from a tooth or gums, or a cracked tooth or crown just before an important event. Dental emergencies happen and they always seem to happen at the wrong time.
In my practice and in life I try to treat people the way I would want to be treated. What if one of my daughters or my wife had a dental emergency, what I had a dental emergency how would I want to feel? What would I want people to tell me?
I would want to feel valued, I’d want someone to tell me that they were going to take care of me and that it is going to be okay and really mean it. I would want someone to let me know that they are going to do a good job.
On this web page I have highlighted a few examples on dental emergencies that I have treated in my practice.
A dental emergency can be
- A sudden onset of pain from a tooth.
- A cracked tooth, just before an important event.
- A sudden throbbing pain that couldn't have happened at a worse time.
Below are a few examples of dental emergencies I treated in my practice.
Broken tooth repaired with a same-day crown and teeth whitening
Problem:
- Cracked front tooth while traveling
Goal:
- Restore a broken tooth
- Brighten the smile
Fix:
- Teeth whitening
- CAD/CAM design to create a ceramic crown
Result:
- Symmetrical shape of porcelain
- Life-like appearance and color match
- Brighter smile after teeth whitening
Before and after
Cosmetic emergency, chipped front tooth
Problem:
- Chipped right front tooth
- Worn front teeth from grinding
Goal:
- Correct a chipped tooth
- Restore symmetry in the smile
Fix:
- Composite bonding
- Esthetic smoothing
Before and after
Fractured crown and tooth, repaired with a same-day crown
Problem:
- A broken crown done by another dentist
Goal:
- New crown to match front right tooth
Fix:
- CAD/CAM design to create a new crown
Result:
- Symmetrical shade of porcelain
- Life-like appearance and color match
Before and after
Broken veneer repaired with same-day veneer
- I often repair broken veneers done at other offices.
- This outlines my workflow to repair a veneer in 1 visit.
The scanned image of the patient's teeth after I removed the broken veneer
The initial CAD design of the new veneer. Changes were still made before milling
The milled porcelain before placement in the furnace
Ceramic paint is used to stain the porcelain to match her existing veneers. In this case, grey and blue were painted onto bleach-colored porcelain to match the shade exactly
The new veneer matches the existing set. This photo was taken immediately after bonding; the patient's gums are irritated but will be normal by the next day.
Broken crown repaired with same-day crown
- Emergency cosmetic dentistry.
- This outlines my workflow to repair a crown in 1 visit.
Cracked crown
CAD/CAM design for new crown
The CAD CAM crown being milled out of a ceramic block
Milled porcelain crown, still in purple phase
The crown is slightly too light and needs to be stained a little darker to match her other teeth
Finished and bonded into place
Before and after
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergenies
What types of dental problems require immediate attention?
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that develops suddenly and cannot safely wait for routine care. This often includes intense tooth pain, injuries to the teeth or gums, facial swelling, signs of infection, or bleeding that does not stop. Less urgent concerns, such as mild sensitivity or a small cosmetic chip, may be uncomfortable but usually do not require same-day care.
How should a knocked-out tooth be managed before seeing a dentist?
When a tooth is fully dislodged, handling it carefully can make a difference. The tooth should be held by the chewing surface rather than the root. If it is dirty, a gentle rinse may be used, but the tooth should never be scrubbed or allowed to dry out. If reinserting it is not possible, keeping it moist during transport is important. Milk or a sterile saline solution can help protect the tooth until professional care is reached.
What should I do if I am experiencing intense tooth pain?
Severe tooth pain often signals an underlying issue such as infection, nerve irritation, or advanced decay. Rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater can help reduce irritation, and over-the-counter pain relief may ease discomfort temporarily. Heat should be avoided, as it may worsen inflammation. If pain continues or increases, contacting a dental office quickly allows the cause to be identified and treated before complications develop.
Is a chipped or cracked tooth always an emergency?
Not every chip requires urgent care, but damage that causes pain, sensitivity, or sharp edges should be addressed as soon as possible. Cracks can allow bacteria to enter the tooth, potentially leading to infection or further breakage. Until the tooth is examined, it is best to avoid chewing on that side and keep the area clean to prevent irritation.
What are the warning signs of a dental abscess?
A dental abscess is a serious infection that may cause swelling, persistent pain, pressure in the jaw, fever, or an unpleasant taste. These infections do not resolve on their own and require professional treatment. Applying a cold compress may help manage swelling temporarily, but delaying care can allow the infection to spread and increase the risk of more complex health concerns.
How can dental emergencies be reduced or avoided?
Many emergencies can be prevented through consistent oral care. Daily brushing and flossing, regular dental visits, and addressing minor issues early all help reduce risk. Wearing protective mouthguards during sports and avoiding habits like chewing ice or hard objects can also protect teeth from injury.
What should parents do if a child has a dental emergency?
Dental injuries are common in children due to falls and physical activity. Remaining calm helps reassure the child while the situation is assessed. If bleeding occurs, gentle pressure can be applied. Tooth pain, fractures, or injuries should be evaluated promptly by a dentist. Early care helps prevent discomfort from worsening and protects developing teeth.
When is the emergency room more appropriate than a dental office?
The emergency room may be necessary when dental issues involve difficulty breathing, severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or swelling that affects the airway. For most tooth pain, infections, or broken teeth, a dental office is better equipped to provide definitive treatment.
Is facial or jaw swelling a serious concern?
Sudden swelling of the face or jaw often indicates infection or inflammation and should not be ignored. Swelling that worsens quickly or is accompanied by fever, pain, or difficulty opening the mouth should be evaluated urgently. Early treatment can prevent complications and reduce discomfort.
How quickly should I contact a dentist during a dental emergency?
Reaching out to a dentist as soon as symptoms appear often leads to better outcomes. Prompt evaluation can limit pain, prevent infections from spreading, and reduce the extent of treatment needed. If you are unsure whether your situation is urgent, contacting a dental office for guidance is always the safest choice.
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Dr. Spencer Hoyt earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and subsequently followed with a residency and Advanced Education in Dentistry at the prestigious University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, CA. In 2011, he established Fort Worth Dental Arts with the goal of revolutionizing dental care, motivated by his dedication to delivering exceptional service to his community.
Dr. Hoyt actively participates in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, CEREC Doctors, and Spear Education. His commitment to excellence has been recognized with the "Best Dentist" award by Fort Worth Weekly in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
