Common Dental Emergencies and How Dentists Handle Them

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—whether it’s a sudden toothache at night, an injury during sports, or a chipped crown while eating dinner. These situations require prompt attention, and knowing how an emergency dentist manages them can ease your concerns and help you act quickly.

At My Dentist Alderley Newmarket, our experienced team is prepared to handle a wide range of dental emergencies with skill, compassion, and advanced care—all from the comfort of our trusted practice.

What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue is urgent, but some problems need immediate care to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies we treat at My Dentist:

  • Severe, persistent toothache

  • Broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth

  • Abscesses and infections

  • Lost fillings or crowns

  • Bleeding gums or injuries to soft tissues

  • Pain or swelling in the jaw

If you’re experiencing any of the above, don’t wait—contact an emergency dentist right away. Early intervention can prevent complications and even save your tooth.

Toothaches: When Pain Demands Action

A toothache might start as a dull ache and escalate into intense, throbbing pain. This can be a sign of decay, infection, or a damaged nerve. At My Dentist Alderley Newmarket, our emergency dentist alderley will first assess the cause using X-rays and a clinical exam. From there, treatment may involve a filling, root canal therapy, or extraction, depending on the severity.

Pain relief and infection control are always prioritised to ensure you’re comfortable from the moment you arrive.

Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth: Timing is Critical

If you break or knock out a tooth due to trauma, acting fast is essential. Ideally, a knocked-out tooth should be treated within 30 minutes to one hour. Gently rinse the tooth (do not scrub it), keep it moist in milk or saliva, and bring it to your appointment.

Our emergency dentist alderley will evaluate the injury and determine the best course of action—this could involve reimplanting the tooth, performing restorative work like bonding or crowns, or even initiating root canal treatment to preserve the tooth structure.

Dental Abscesses and Infections

An abscessed tooth is a serious condition that requires urgent attention. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, pus discharge, fever, and even difficulty swallowing or breathing in extreme cases. These infections can spread quickly, impacting your overall health.

An emergency dentist will usually drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics, and plan for further treatment such as a root canal or extraction. At My Dentist, we also offer in-house IV sedation for complex procedures, making your experience as stress-free as possible.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

While not always painful, a lost filling or crown can leave a tooth exposed to damage. If this happens, it’s important to see an emergency dentist alderley quickly. We will assess the underlying tooth structure and replace or restore the lost material, ensuring your bite and function are restored without delay.

Temporary fixes at home are risky—professional care ensures your dental work remains secure and effective.

Soft Tissue Injuries and Bleeding

Cuts or tears to the gums, cheeks, tongue, or lips can result from accidents or trauma. If bleeding is heavy or persistent, you should see an emergency dentist immediately. Our team can safely clean and stitch the wound if necessary, and check for further damage such as fractures or dislocated teeth.

How My Dentist Handles Dental Emergencies

At My Dentist Alderley Newmarket, we understand that emergencies are stressful. That’s why we offer rapid response appointments and same-day care for urgent cases. Whether you’re an existing patient or visiting us for the first time, we’ll prioritise your comfort and deliver the highest standard of treatment.

Our practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and our team includes skilled professionals trained in handling everything from routine emergencies to complex oral surgeries. We also provide IV sedation for patients who may need extensive treatment in a calm, controlled environment—without a hospital visit.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist

If you’re unsure whether your issue is an emergency, here’s a quick rule of thumb: If it hurts, bleeds, or involves trauma to your teeth or mouth, call your emergency dentist. Waiting too long can worsen the condition, increase costs, and reduce the chance of a full recovery.

Our emergency dentist alderley team is here to help you make the right call. Don’t ignore dental pain or damage—early action makes all the difference.

Need an emergency dentist? My Dentist Alderley Newmarket is here for you—when it matters most. 

Call us today to schedule immediate care and get relief you can trust!

 

May 13, 2025