Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — during dinner, at work, or even in the middle of the night. Knowing when a dental issue requires immediate professional care can save your tooth, relieve pain faster, and prevent serious complications.
If you’re in Fredericksburg, VA, here are five clear signs it’s time to contact an emergency dentist right away.
1. Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
Tooth pain that doesn’t go away — or gets worse — is never normal. Sharp, throbbing, or radiating pain can be a sign of:
- An infected tooth or abscess
- Advanced tooth decay
- Nerve damage
- Cracked or fractured teeth
If over-the-counter pain relievers aren’t helping, delaying treatment could allow the infection to spread. An emergency dentist can diagnose the cause and provide immediate relief.
📍 Tip: Many people wait too long hoping that the pain will fade — but early treatment often prevents tooth loss.
2. Swelling in Your Face, Gums, or Jaw
Swelling is a major red flag. Facial or gum swelling often indicates an infection, which can become dangerous if left untreated.
Seek emergency dental care if swelling is:
- Sudden or rapidly increasing
- Painful or warm to the touch
- Accompanied by fever or a bad taste in your mouth
Infections in the mouth can spread to other parts of the body, making prompt care essential.
3. A Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency. Acting quickly can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
What to do immediately:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (not the root)
- Gently rinse it (do not scrub)
- Place it back in the socket if possible, or store it in milk
- Get to an emergency dentist within 30–60 minutes
Even a loose adult tooth after an injury should be evaluated right away.
4. A Cracked, Broken, or Fractured Tooth
Not all broken teeth hurt right away, but they can still expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria. Emergency dental care is needed if:
- The break is large or sharp
- You feel pain when biting or chewing
- The tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold
- Part of the tooth is missing
Prompt treatment helps prevent infection and may allow the tooth to be repaired instead of extracted.
5. Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Bleeding gums after brushing can be normal — but continuous or heavy bleeding is not.
You should see an emergency dentist if:
- Bleeding continues longer than 10–15 minutes
- Bleeding follows an injury or dental procedure
- You notice signs of infection or severe pain
Uncontrolled bleeding may indicate trauma, advanced gum disease, or other serious conditions.
If your are having a dental emergency near Fredericksburg, VA contact us today and we can help you.