No one puts a throbbing toothache on their to-do list or schedules a chipped tooth between errands. Dental emergencies don’t wait for a convenient moment—they happen fast and demand attention. Maybe it’s a sudden jolt of pain while biting down, a crown that pops off without warning, or a tooth that doesn’t survive an accidental fall. In those moments, there’s no time for second-guessing—you need care, and you need it now. At Atkins Dental Clinic, our emergency dentist, Dr. Aaron, is ready when the unexpected happens. Whether it’s urgent pain relief, a lost filling, or a more serious injury, we make it easy to get the care you need without the stress of waiting. Because while dental emergencies may not run on a schedule, we’re always ready to help.
Do I Need To See an Emergency Dentist?
Dental emergencies aren’t something to second-guess. If you’re facing certain symptoms or situations, delaying care can put your health—and your smile—at serious risk.
If you’re experiencing intense tooth pain that doesn’t ease up with over-the-counter medication or home remedies, that’s a clear signal something is wrong. Dental pain is your body’s way of telling you there’s an underlying issue—whether it’s an infection, an exposed nerve, or another serious problem. It will not get better on its own.
Damage to a tooth also requires immediate attention. A chipped, cracked, loose, or knocked-out tooth leaves the inside of the tooth vulnerable to bacteria and further injury. If a tooth has been completely knocked out, time matters. You can increase the chances of saving it by gently placing it back in the socket—or keeping it moist in milk or saliva—until you can get to a dentist.
Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums or swelling in your mouth, jaw, or face is another reason to seek emergency care right away. These are signs that something more serious, like an infection or injury, is happening. If left untreated, these conditions can worsen quickly and even lead to life-threatening complications.
You should also act fast if you notice signs of an oral infection. An abscessed tooth, visible pus, fever, or painful swelling around a tooth or gum tissue is nothing to ignore. Infections can spread rapidly, impacting not just your dental health but your overall health.
Finally, don’t overlook the urgency of lost or damaged dental work. If a crown, bridge, or filling has come loose or fallen out, the exposed tooth is at risk for decay, damage, or infection. Addressing the problem quickly can prevent bigger—and more painful—issues down the line.
Mini Dental Implants: Your Tooth Replacement Solution
Tooth loss happens more often than people realize. In fact, it’s one of the most common dental emergencies. Whether it’s from an accident, sports injury, or unexpected fall, a knocked-out tooth is always a high-stress situation. And many don’t know that the window to save that tooth is incredibly short. If the tooth isn’t placed securely back in the socket within about an hour, the chances of saving it drop significantly.
Fortunately, even if the tooth can’t be saved, you’re not out of options. Mini dental implants offer one of the best ways to restore your smile quickly and effectively. What makes mini implants stand out is their size and simplicity. A traditional dental implant is about 5 millimeters in diameter, often requiring more complex surgery and a longer healing period. In contrast, a mini implant is less than 3 millimeters wide. That small difference makes a big impact. Dr. Aaron can place mini implants in a single visit, with minimal discomfort and no need for major surgery.
Their streamlined design often allows immediate support for a crown or bridge. In other words, you don’t have to wait weeks or months to get your smile back—you can walk out of the office with a stable, functional tooth replacement the very same day.
When To Wait: Situations That Don’t Require an Emergency Dentist
Not every dental problem is an emergency—and sometimes, it’s hard to know the difference. You might notice something feels a little off, but you’re left wondering, “Do I need to call the dentist right now, or can this wait?”
If you’re dealing with a mild, occasional toothache that comes and goes without getting worse, you can usually wait for a regular appointment. The same goes for a small chip or crack in a tooth that isn’t causing pain. It’s important to fix it, but it does not require urgent care.
Slight gum irritation or a little bleeding when you floss might also leave you scratching your head. Most of the time, that’s a sign that your gums need extra care, not an emergency. And if you’re feeling dull, nagging discomfort—not sharp or severe pain—we can evaluate that at your next visit.
If you’re ever unsure, don’t hesitate to call us. We’d much rather you reach out and ask than sit at home worrying. When you contact us, we’ll help you figure out whether you need immediate care or if it can wait until your next appointment.
And when we see you, we’ll take the time to thoroughly evaluate what’s going on. Whether you need a simple cleaning, a filling, a root canal, an extraction, or treatment for gum disease—we’ll walk you through the next steps. No matter what, our goal is always the same: to get you back to feeling like your healthy, confident self as quickly and comfortably as possible.
We’re Here When You Need Us
Dental emergencies don’t wait for a good time—and you shouldn’t wait to get the care you deserve. Whether you’re in the middle of a true emergency or unsure if what you’re feeling is cause for concern, don’t hesitate to reach out. At Atkins Dental Clinic, we’re here to help you make the right call. Call us today, and let’s get you back to feeling like yourself again.
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