What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
As a dentist, one of the most common questions I hear from my patients is:
“How do I know if this is a dental emergency, or if it can wait until my next appointment?”
It’s a really important question because knowing the difference can make all the difference in saving a tooth, preventing an infection from spreading, or simply saving you a lot of stress. The Australian Dental Association reminds us that dental emergencies require urgent care to avoid long-term complications and health risks.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to tell if something is urgent, when it can wait, and what you should do if you’re unsure.
When It Is a Dental Emergency?
If you’re experiencing any of the following, I recommend contacting us at iDentistry immediately. Fast action can make a major difference:
- Knocked-out tooth – Timing is critical. If I can see you within 60 minutes, there’s a much better chance of saving the tooth. This is a “drop everything and come in” situation according to ADA guidelines.
- Severe toothache with swelling – This usually means infection. Left untreated, the infection can spread. Sudden swelling should be treated as an emergency, and may require urgent hospital care if it threatens breathing or swallowing.
- Uncontrolled bleeding – After injury or extraction, bleeding that won’t stop is a true emergency.
- Broken tooth with pain or exposed nerve – This is not only painful but also risky; the nerve can become infected quickly if unprotected.
In these situations, please don’t wait. Call our team straight away — we always try to see emergency patients the same day.
When It Can Wait (But Still Needs Care)?
Some dental problems can cause discomfort but aren’t usually urgent:
- Lost filling or crown – If there’s no pain, the tooth is usually safe overnight.
- Mild tooth sensitivity – Sensitivity to hot or cold is common and can usually wait for your next check-up.
- Small chip in a tooth – If it isn’t sharp or painful, you don’t need emergency treatment.
These aren’t emergencies, but they shouldn’t be ignored. Small problems can grow into larger ones, so I encourage you to book in sooner rather than later.
When To Seek Emergency Dental Care vs. When It Can Wait?
🚨 Emergency – Act Now | ⏳ Can Wait – Book Soon |
Knocked-out tooth (< 60 minutes) | Lost filling or crown (no pain) |
Severe toothache + swelling | Minor tooth sensitivity |
Uncontrolled bleeding | Small chip (no sharpness or pain) |
Broken tooth with pain / exposed nerve |
Tip from me: If you’re ever unsure, put a knocked-out tooth in milk and call us immediately.
Reminder: Non-urgent problems won’t usually harm teeth in a few hours, but don’t leave them for too long timely care keeps treatment simple.
What To Do If You’re Unsure?
Sometimes the situation isn’t clear. My advice: When in doubt, call us. We’d much rather you pick up the phone and let us guide you. Even if it’s not an emergency, you’ll have peace of mind. ADA guidelines reassure patients that dentists are trained to triage dental problems so you don’t have to make that decision alone.
Why Acting Fast Matters
- Infections spread quickly – Severe dental infections can lead to hospitalisation within 24–72 hours.
- Time-sensitive tooth saving – A knocked-out tooth is twice as likely to survive if treated within an hour.
- Higher costs if delayed – What might be a simple filling can escalate into a root canal or implant if left untreated. Delaying care leads to higher costs and more complex, stressful procedures.
My Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies can feel stressful and overwhelming, but you’re never alone in managing them. At iDentistry Hallam, my team and I are here to guide, treat, and reassure you whether it’s a midnight toothache or a filling that’s come loose. Good oral health is about being proactive and recognising when to act quickly. If you ever wonder, “Should I call the dentist now?” my answer is usually yes.
