Dental emergencies never happen at a convenient time. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe toothache, or broken filling, the pain and urgency can leave you wondering what to do next. Knowing when a situation is a true dental emergency—and how quickly you need care—can make all the difference in saving your tooth, preventing infection, and easing discomfort.
At Almoney Dental Group, we provide prompt, compassionate emergency dental care at our three convenient locations in Kettering, Miamisburg, and Delco Park, OH. Our dentists are here to relieve your pain, treat the problem, and help you protect your oral health for the long term.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, here’s a good rule of thumb:
If it hurts, bleeds, or affects your ability to eat, speak, or function normally, call your dentist right away.
Some emergencies are obvious, such as a tooth knocked out in an accident. Others may start as mild discomfort that suddenly worsens overnight.
Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Cracked, fractured, or broken tooth
- Swollen or bleeding gums
- Abscess or infection
- Lost filling or crown
- Trauma to the jaw or mouth
- Soft tissue injuries (lips, tongue, cheeks)
- Loose or dislodged dental restorations
Almoney Dental Group offers same-day emergency appointments whenever possible, because quick care can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Common Dental Emergencies and What to Do
Here’s how to handle some of the most frequent dental emergencies until you can reach our office.
1. Severe Toothache
A throbbing or persistent toothache can signal deep decay, infection, or nerve damage. The pain may worsen when biting or become constant and severe.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth gently with warm water.
- Floss carefully to remove any trapped debris.
- Avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums—it can cause burns.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
- Call our office immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.
Why prompt care matters:
A toothache caused by infection can quickly worsen and lead to an abscess, bone loss, or systemic infection. Early treatment can save your tooth and protect your overall health.
2. Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when a tooth has been completely dislodged from its socket. If treated within 30 to 60 minutes, a knocked-out tooth can often be successfully reimplanted.
What to do:
- Handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root.
- Rinse gently with milk, saline, or saliva if dirty (do not use tap water or scrub or remove tissue fragments).
- Try to place the tooth back in the socket if possible.
- If you can’t, store it in a container of milk or saline solution.
- Get to one of our offices immediately.
Why prompt care matters:
The longer a tooth remains out of the mouth, the lower the chance of saving it. Seeing a dentist within an hour gives the best possible outcome.
3. Cracked or Broken Tooth
Cracks and fractures can occur from biting hard foods, accidents, or weakened enamel. Even if the pain subsides, the tooth’s inner layers may be exposed and vulnerable to infection.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water with a pinch of salt to clean the area.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Save any broken pieces of the tooth.
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth.
- Schedule an emergency dental appointment as soon as possible.
Why prompt care matters:
Without treatment, cracks can deepen, leading to nerve damage or loss of the tooth. Early restoration prevents further complications.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown can expose sensitive tooth tissue, leading to pain and further decay.
What to do:
- Keep the crown if it has come off.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water.
- Use dental cement or toothpaste to temporarily reattach the crown if possible.
- Avoid sticky or hard foods.
- Call our office for a same-day appointment.
Why prompt care matters:
Delaying care increases your risk of infection or needing more extensive treatment, such as a root canal or crown replacement.
5. Dental Abscess or Infection
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth.
What to do:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
- Avoid pressing or popping the swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
- Call us immediately—this is a serious infection that can spread quickly.
Why prompt care matters:
Untreated abscesses can spread to the jaw, neck, or even bloodstream, becoming life-threatening. Emergency treatment is essential to drain the infection and save the tooth.
6. Injuries to the Mouth or Soft Tissues
Cuts or lacerations to the tongue, cheeks, or lips can bleed heavily but are usually manageable.
What to do:
- Clean the area gently with water (add a pinch of salt if available).
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop bleeding.
- Use a cold compress for swelling.
- If bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, go to the nearest emergency room.
- Schedule a follow-up with your dentist to ensure no hidden tooth or tissue damage.
Why prompt care matters:
Even minor injuries can hide deeper dental trauma. A dentist can check for broken teeth or other underlying problems.
How Long Should You Wait for a Dental Appointment?
For true dental emergencies, you should call immediately. Almoney Dental Group offers same-day emergency visits whenever possible and will prioritize your situation based on urgency.
Here’s a general guide:
| Condition | Recommended Response Time |
|---|---|
| Knocked-out tooth | Within 30–60 minutes |
| Severe toothache or abscess | Same day |
| Broken or cracked tooth | Within 24 hours |
| Lost filling or crown | Within 1–2 days |
| Mild tooth discomfort | Schedule within a few days |
Even if your pain subsides, you should never wait more than a few days to see a dentist for an emergency. The underlying issue often remains—and can worsen without proper care.
What Happens If You Delay Emergency Dental Treatment?
Delaying or avoiding dental care can have serious, long-term consequences. Here’s what can happen if you wait too long:
1. Pain and Discomfort Worsen
Tooth pain rarely resolves on its own. Without treatment, inflammation and infection spread, making the pain more intense and harder to control.
2. Infection Can Spread
Oral infections can extend into the jawbone, sinuses, and bloodstream, posing a risk to your overall health. In severe cases, untreated abscesses can lead to sepsis—a life-threatening condition.
3. Tooth Loss
A cracked or infected tooth that could have been saved with early care may need extraction if left untreated.
4. Costlier Treatments
What starts as a small filling or root canal can turn into a more complex—and expensive—problem if postponed.
5. Impact on Overall Health
Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Taking prompt action protects both your smile and your body.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all emergencies are avoidable, you can reduce your risk with good habits and regular care:
- Visit your dentist for checkups and cleanings every six months.
- Avoid chewing ice, pens, or hard candies.
- Wear a mouthguard during sports.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages.
- Address dental issues early, before they become emergencies.
Routine visits to Almoney Dental Group allow us to detect and treat potential problems early—helping you avoid sudden pain or damage later on.
Why Choose Almoney Dental Group for Emergency Dental Care?
At Almoney Dental Group, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, painful, and even frightening. That’s why our team prioritizes comfort, compassion, and immediate relief. Dental emergencies can’t wait, and neither should you. If you or a loved one is experiencing tooth pain, swelling, or an injury, contact the nearest Almoney Dental Group location right away:
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Three convenient locations:
- Same-day appointments for urgent cases
- Advanced technology for fast, precise treatment
- Comprehensive care for both restorative and cosmetic needs
We proudly serve patients across greater Dayton, OH, including Kettering, Miamisburg, and Delco Park, providing the quality care your family deserves when it matters most.