Dental emergency: when to go today and when you can wait

A clear list of dental problems that need help the same day, those that can wait a day or two, and what to do while you arrange care.

Most dental problems are not emergencies, but a few are. Knowing which is which saves you worry, and it can save a tooth.

Get help today

Go to a dentist or a hospital emergency department the same day if you have:

Swelling that is spreading to your face, around the eye or down the neck
Fever together with a toothache or swollen gum
Trouble swallowing, breathing or opening your mouth
A tooth knocked out. Time matters. See knocked-out tooth: what to do in the first hour.
Bleeding that does not stop after pressing on it with a clean cloth for about ten minutes
An injury to the face or jaw, especially with a blow to the head, vomiting or drowsiness. Go to a hospital first.
Pain you cannot control with the safe steps in toothache at night

Come in within a day or two

A broken or chipped tooth without strong pain. See broken or chipped tooth.
A filling or crown that has come out
A toothache that is mild or comes and goes
A bump on the gum without fever or spreading swelling. Read tooth abscess.

What can wait for a normal appointment

Mild sensitivity to cold or sweet, stains, a small gap that has always been there, or a routine check-up. See sensitive teeth.

What to do while you arrange help

Call or WhatsApp us and tell us what happened and when.
Keep the area clean and rinse gently with warm salt water.
Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek for swelling.
Do not squeeze a bump or put any tablet or chemical on the gum.
Keep any broken piece or a knocked-out tooth safe, as described in the linked guides.

What to tell us

When the pain started, what makes it worse, whether you have a fever or swelling, any injury, and the medicines you take. This helps us decide how soon to see you.

If we cannot be reached

If you cannot reach us and the problem is in the first list above, go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do not wait.

Dental care is available at both our clinics, in Sayan and on Chhaprabhatha-Variyav Road. Use the booking button below to ask for an appointment.

This guide is general information and does not replace a visit to your dentist or doctor. Read our medical disclaimer