Severe dental pain can stop you in your tracks. It’s the kind of pain you can’t sleep through or ignore. In fact, the CDC reports that over 34 million school and work hours are lost every year due to unplanned dental visits. So how do you know when it’s an emergency and not just something that can wait until Monday?
At Gentle Grand Prairie Dentist, we see patients all the time who tell us, “I wasn’t sure if this was serious enough to call.” Spoiler alert: if you’re even wondering, it’s probably worth a call.
Let’s talk about the most common dental emergency symptoms—what they feel like, what they might mean, and what you should do next.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue needs same-day care. But when something hurts, swells, or bleeds in your mouth, it’s best not to play the guessing game. Dental emergencies are situations that require immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth.
Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, symptoms build up slowly. Either way, catching the signs early can make all the difference.
Symptom: Sharp, Persistent Tooth Pain
Toothaches are one of the top reasons patients call us in a panic. When pain is dull and fleeting, it could just be sensitivity. But if it’s sharp, constant, or keeping you up at night? That’s a red flag.
You might be dealing with an abscess, advanced decay, or a cracked tooth. These conditions don’t get better on their own—and they can get worse fast.
Pay attention if:
- The pain feels deep, throbbing, or stabbing
- There’s swelling around the tooth or jaw
- Over-the-counter meds barely touch the pain
We’re not saying panic. But you should reach out. The sooner we see you, the better your chances of avoiding a root canal or extraction.
Symptom: Swelling in the Face or Jaw
Facial swelling is never normal. If your cheek, chin, or jaw starts to puff up, something is going on beneath the surface. Swelling often signals infection, which can spread rapidly if not treated.
Infections near the tooth root or gum line can leak into surrounding tissue. That’s when swelling sets in—and things get serious. In rare cases, untreated dental infections can even lead to hospitalization.
Watch for:
- Puffy or stretched skin in the face or neck
- A warm or tight sensation in the jaw
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
If you’re noticing these signs, don’t wait. Dental infections aren’t just painful—they can be dangerous.
Symptom: Bleeding Gums That Won’t Stop
A little pink in the sink after brushing? That’s not great, but it’s usually a sign of early gum disease. Bleeding that won’t stop, however, is something else entirely.
When your gums bleed spontaneously or after light pressure (like flossing), you could be dealing with advanced periodontal disease or trauma to the soft tissue.
Consider it an emergency if:
- The bleeding lasts longer than 10 minutes
- It’s accompanied by swelling or pain
- You notice a foul taste or odor
Bleeding that persists can also point to systemic health concerns. We’ll help you figure out what’s going on and get it treated fast.
Symptom: Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth
Maybe you bit down on a popcorn kernel. Maybe it was a slip in the kitchen. Either way, broken teeth are incredibly common—and almost always need a dentist’s attention.
Some breaks are obvious, others you might not see until the pain hits. A cracked tooth can expose the nerve, causing major discomfort. Plus, sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheeks.
What to look for:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- A visible crack or piece of tooth missing
We can usually restore or rebuild damaged teeth—but timing matters. The longer you wait, the more complicated the fix.
Symptom: Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
Adult teeth are not supposed to fall out. If a permanent tooth is knocked out or suddenly feels wiggly, it’s an emergency, plain and simple.
With knocked-out teeth, the first hour is critical. If you act quickly, your dentist might be able to save it.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick up the tooth by the top (avoid touching the root)
- Gently rinse with milk or saline, no scrubbing
- Try to reinsert it if possible, or store it in milk or saliva
- Call your dentist immediately
Even if the tooth is just loose, you still need to be seen. Trauma can damage the surrounding structures, and we’ll want to take a look before things get worse.
Symptom: Sudden Change in Bite or Jaw Function
If your jaw suddenly won’t close properly or your bite feels way off, something’s not right. This could be due to a dislocated jaw, impacted tooth, or trauma to the joint or muscles.
These issues can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and even permanent damage if not handled correctly. And trying to “pop” your jaw back into place on your own? Not a great idea.
You should reach out if:
- Your jaw feels locked or won’t open fully
- You hear popping or clicking when moving your mouth
- You have pain when chewing or speaking
We’ll evaluate what’s going on and work on getting your jaw functioning the way it should.
Symptom: Signs of Infection
Dental infections can be sneaky. Sometimes they start small—a little sensitivity or minor swelling—but then spiral fast. Left unchecked, they can affect your overall health.
Look out for:
- Bad breath or foul taste in your mouth
- Pus or discharge near a tooth or gum
- Fever, chills, or fatigue
If you’re noticing multiple symptoms, don’t wait. Oral infections can spread to other areas of the body. It’s better to get checked out now than risk something worse later.
When to Call Your Dentist Right Away
If you’re in Grand Prairie and wondering whether your symptoms count as a dental emergency, here’s a good rule: when in doubt, call. It’s better to ask than to assume it’s nothing.
We’ve treated everything from sudden abscesses to sports-related injuries—and we always leave room in our schedule for emergency visits.
Call us immediately if you notice:
- Unrelenting pain
- Major swelling or bleeding
- A tooth that’s come out or moved
- Signs of infection
We’re here to help. Even if it turns out not to be an emergency, we’d rather you have peace of mind.
Helping You Feel Better—Fast
At Gentle Grand Prairie Dentist, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. You might feel overwhelmed, scared, or unsure what to do next. That’s exactly why we keep a few same-day appointments open—for people just like you.
From quick pain relief to full restoration, our job is to help you get back to feeling like yourself. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or mystery jaw pain, our team will walk you through every step.
Need help now? Call us at 972-988-0900. We’re ready when you are.
