The most common dental emergency is a toothache. It can be caused by various issues such as cavities, infections, gum disease, or tooth trauma. Toothaches often require prompt attention to relieve pain and address the underlying problem. Other common dental emergencies include a knocked-out tooth, a broken or chipped tooth, and a loose or lost filling or crown. If you experience any of these issues, it's important to contact a dentist as soon as possible to get the appropriate treatment.

You should seek emergency dental care if you experience severe pain, significant trauma to your teeth or mouth, uncontrolled bleeding, or if you have a tooth that has been knocked out. Delaying treatment can result in complications or worsen the condition, so it's important to get professional help as soon as possible.

If you lose a filling or crown, try to keep the area clean by rinsing with warm salt water. You can use over-the-counter dental cement to temporarily cover the exposed area if it's available. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth and contact your dentist to arrange a replacement or repair as soon as possible.

If a permanent tooth is knocked out, rinse it gently with water and try to place it back into the socket right away. If you can’t reinsert it, keep the tooth moist by placing it in your mouth or in a container of milk, and get to our office as soon as possible.

Whether a dental emergency can wait until the next day depends on the severity of the situation. Issues like severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth usually require immediate attention. However, minor discomfort or a small chip may be able to wait until the next day for treatment.