Severe pain in the mouth or jaw, uncontrolled bleeding, and knocked-out teeth are indicators that you need to seek urgent dental care. Knowing which type of facility to visit and what steps to take can make a big difference in the outcome of your treatment.

Some situations are not urgent enough to require the attention of a dentist open on Saturday. These include:

Toothache

A toothache is usually a sign of a problem with the pulp of the tooth, which contains sensitive nerves. Pain signals are sent to the brain when the pulp is inflamed or damaged, which can occur from a cavity that has eaten through the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth or from gum irritation or from an injury to the mouth or jaw. Pain can also be caused by food lodged between teeth and may be relieved with flossing or swishing with warm water.

If you have a toothache that lasts for more than 24 hours, call your dentist. Pain that doesn’t disappear after taking over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen is considered a dental emergency and should be treated right away. Your dentist will examine your mouth, teeth, jaws, tongue, throat, sinuses, ears, and neck and take x-rays. Treatment options vary based on the cause of your toothache and include filling or extraction, root canal therapy, or antibiotics.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Broken or chipped teeth are often caused by chewing hard foods, trauma, or grinding your teeth (bruxism). If a tooth is broken it can create an entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and other health complications. Prompt treatment can increase the likelihood of saving a broken tooth and prevent further damage.

A cracked or chipped tooth doesn’t always hurt, and you may not realize that it is an emergency until it is too late. However, waiting to see a dentist can lead to more severe problems, including pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, and swelling of the gums.

Save any pieces of the tooth if possible, rinse the mouth and cheek to control bleeding, apply an ice pack outside the face or lips to reduce pain and swelling, and take over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen to manage discomfort. You can also use temporary dental repair kits that contain dental wax to cover jagged edges until you see your dentist.

Loose or Lost Fillings

Millions of people have dental fillings, which are a quick and effective way to treat tooth decay. However, there is always the chance that your filling might come loose or fall out. While this is not considered an emergency in most cases, it is still important to call your dentist immediately and set up an appointment to get it replaced.

When a filling comes loose, it exposes the sensitive tissue of your tooth to the elements and leaves you vulnerable to infection. You should try to protect your tooth by brushing carefully and using over-the-counter dental cement. In addition, you should avoid chewing on the tooth and rinse frequently with salt water or antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria. The best way to prevent your dental fillings from becoming loose or falling out is to maintain excellent oral hygiene and attend regular dental checkups. This allows us to catch and repair any problems early before they become serious.

Abscessed Gums

Gum abscesses often look like a raised bump in the gums that is tender or warm to the touch. These are caused by bacterial infections that result from periodontal disease, tooth decay or trauma. In addition to treating the infection, your dentist will usually drain the pus from the abscess and recommend that you rinse with warm salt water and take nonprescription pain relievers.

If you don’t get prompt treatment for a periapical tooth abscess, bacteria can spread to your jawbone and the soft tissue in your mouth or neck. In some cases, the bacteria can also spread to your heart or brain, which is a serious and life-threatening condition called sepsis. You are more likely to get an abscessed tooth if you have poor oral hygiene, smoke or have a weakened immune system. To reduce your chances of getting a gum or tooth abscess, brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss daily. You should also schedule regular dental cleanings.