When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to stop bleeding, relieve pain, save a tooth, or prevent infection.

While some issues can wait for a scheduled appointment, others need urgent care. Understanding the difference can help protect your smile and avoid long-term complications.

Common Dental Emergencies

Here are the most frequent dental emergencies we treat at College Hill Dental Group:

1. Severe Toothache

Persistent or severe tooth pain can signal a serious issue like an abscess, infection, or deep decay. If your pain doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief, or it keeps you awake at night, it’s time to call us.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is completely knocked out (avulsed), time is critical. Getting emergency care within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving the tooth. Rinse it gently, avoid touching the root, and try placing it back in the socket—or keep it in milk or saliva until you reach us.

3. Cracked or Broken Tooth

A chipped tooth might not always be urgent, but if a large piece breaks off or you’re in pain, you should seek immediate attention. Deep cracks can expose the nerve, leading to infection or even tooth loss if untreated.

4. Swelling or Abscess

Facial swelling, especially around the jaw or gums, can indicate a serious infection. Dental abscesses can spread quickly and even affect other parts of your body. This is a true emergency—don’t wait to call.

5. Bleeding Gums or Mouth

Minor bleeding after brushing or flossing could be a sign of gum disease—but excessive or unexplained bleeding needs prompt care, especially if it’s following dental surgery or trauma.

6. Lost Crown or Filling

While not always a life-threatening emergency, a lost crown or filling can expose the tooth to bacteria, leading to decay or pain. Temporary measures can help, but professional replacement is important.

7. Soft Tissue Injuries

Injuries to the lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums may require stitches or other treatment to stop bleeding and prevent infection.

What’s Not a Dental Emergency?

Not every dental issue needs same-day treatment. For example:

• A dull toothache that responds to pain medication

• A small chip without pain or sensitivity

• Mild sensitivity to hot or cold foods

These can usually wait for a regular dental appointment, but it’s always best to call us if you’re unsure. As the best dentist in Easton, PA, our team will help you decide whether urgent care is needed.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you experience a dental emergency, follow these steps:

1. Stay Calm: Panicking can worsen the situation. Take a deep breath and assess the injury.

2. Control Bleeding: Use clean gauze or cloth to apply pressure to any bleeding areas.

3. Preserve the Tooth (if knocked out): Handle it carefully, keep it moist, and call us immediately.

4. Manage Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers (like ibuprofen) and cold compresses can reduce pain and swelling temporarily.

5. Call College Hill Dental Group: We offer emergency dental services to help you quickly and safely.

Why Choose College Hill Dental Group for Emergency Dental Care?

When you’re dealing with a dental emergency, every minute matters. You need a dentist you can trust—not just for fast relief, but for lasting results.

At College Hill Dental Group, we:

• Prioritize emergency cases and aim for same-day appointments

• Use advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment

• Offer compassionate, judgment-free care

• Are led by the best dentist in Easton, PA, known for excellence in emergency and family dentistry

Whether it’s a sudden injury, severe infection, or unexplained dental pain, we’re here for you when it counts most.

Preventing Future Dental Emergencies

While some dental emergencies are unavoidable, many can be prevented with routine dental care and a few simple precautions:

• Visit us every 6 months for check-ups and cleanings

• Wear a mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or non-food items

• Don’t ignore tooth pain—it usually doesn’t go away on its own

With regular care from the best dentist in Easton, PA, you can prevent many dental emergencies before they start.

Have a Dental Emergency? Call Us Now.

If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait. The longer you delay treatment, the more serious (and costly) the issue can become.

Trust your smile—and your health—to the team that Easton families rely on. Get fast, expert care from the best dentist in Easton, PA, right when you need it.