What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
When something suddenly goes wrong with your teeth — pain, swelling, a broken crown, or a chipped tooth — it can be hard to know whether to call your dentist right away or wait it out.
At Jonesboro Dental Care, Dr. Jonathan Cook and Dr. Mark Kingston understand that dental issues never happen on a convenient schedule. Knowing what truly counts as a dental emergency can help you act fast, protect your smile, and save yourself from bigger problems later.
Severe Tooth Pain or Swelling
If you’re dealing with sharp or persistent tooth pain, it’s your body’s way of signaling something’s wrong — often a deep cavity, cracked tooth, or infection.
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face can mean an abscessed tooth, which requires immediate care to prevent the infection from spreading. In these cases, don’t wait. Call our office right away so we can get you relief and treat the underlying cause.
Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the clearest dental emergencies — but it’s also one where quick action can make all the difference. Gently rinse the tooth with water (without scrubbing), hold it by the crown, and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s not possible, store it in milk or saliva and get to the dentist within the hour.
A broken or chipped tooth might not seem urgent at first, but sharp edges can irritate your tongue or cheeks, and cracks can expose the inner layers of your tooth. Even a small break should be examined to prevent infection or further damage.
Lost Crowns, Fillings, or Restorations
While a lost filling or crown may not always be painful, it leaves the tooth underneath exposed and vulnerable. Avoid chewing on that side and contact us as soon as possible — the sooner we replace or repair the restoration, the easier it is to avoid sensitivity or decay.
Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Some minor gum bleeding after brushing or flossing isn’t an emergency, but heavy bleeding after an injury or extraction needs immediate attention. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze and contact your dentist right away.
What Can Usually Wait
Issues like a dull toothache, a small chip without pain, or mild sensitivity can usually wait until normal office hours — but they still deserve care. These are often early warning signs of decay, clenching, or enamel wear. Catching them early helps prevent emergencies down the line.
Emergency Dental Care in Jonesboro, AR
At Jonesboro Dental Care, we reserve time in our schedule for urgent visits so you can get help quickly when you need it most. Whether it’s a broken tooth, sudden pain, or a lost crown, Dr. Cook and Dr. Kingston provide same-day relief and lasting solutions to restore your smile.
If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, don’t hesitate to call — our friendly team can talk you through what to do next and help you get the right care as soon as possible.
Categorised in: Dental Emergencies
