The Most Common Dental Emergencies We Handle

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them — that’s what makes them an emergency. One moment you’re enjoying a nice meal or playing with your kids, and the next, you’re in pain, wondering what to do.

At Whitehorse Dental, we understand how sudden and distressing these moments can be, especially if it comes at an inconvenient time. That’s why we offer immediate and reliable emergency dental care—because we understand that even with the urgency, your teeth should be given the care it deserves. 

Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth or an intense toothache, our emergency dental clinic is here to help you get the treatment you need when you need it most. But what counts as a dental emergency, and what should you do if it happens to you?

Let’s go through the most common dental emergencies we handle, how we treat them, and what you can do before coming over to us!

What is a Dental Emergency?

Before we jump into the most common cases, it helps to understand what makes a situation a dental emergency. Generally, it’s any dental problem that:

• Causes severe pain
• Involves bleeding or swelling
• Results in a broken or knocked-out tooth
• Risks an infection spreading
• Interferes with eating, speaking, or sleeping

If you’re unsure whether your issue is an emergency, it’s better to be safe and get in touch. A quick call to our team at Whitehorse Dental can help determine whether you need urgent treatment or a regular check-up.

Toothaches That Won’t Go Away

Persistent tooth pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency dental services. A toothache that doesn’t go away on its own could signal a deeper issue such as:

• A dental abscess (infection)
• Severe tooth decay
• A cracked or broken tooth
• Gum disease

We handle these cases by examining the tooth with digital X-rays and performing treatment depending on the cause. It could be a deep clean, a root canal, or another procedure to remove the infection and relieve the pain.

Tip: Until your emergency dental appointment, rinse with warm salt water and avoid chewing on the sore side.

Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth

Whether it’s from biting down on something hard or an accident during sports, damaged teeth are a frequent dental emergency. Even if the break doesn’t hurt at first, ignoring it can lead to infection or more serious damage.

At our clinic, we assess how deep the crack or break is. Minor chips may be fixed with a dental filling or bonding. For more serious cracks, we may recommend a crown or other restorative treatments.

Tip: Save any pieces of the broken tooth if possible, and bring them to your appointment.

Knocked-Out Teeth

Losing a tooth suddenly is a scary experience—but acting fast can make all the difference. If the tooth is clean and still intact, there’s a chance we can re-implant it successfully.

Here’s what you should do:

• Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part), not the root.
• Rinse it gently with water—don’t scrub.
• Try placing it back in the socket, or keep it in milk or saliva.

Call us immediately for an emergency dental appointment.

At Whitehorse Dental, we treat knocked-out teeth as a priority. The sooner you reach us, the higher the chance we can save the tooth.

Abscessed or Infected Teeth

A dental abscess is a serious infection that forms around the tooth or gum. Symptoms may include:

• Throbbing pain
• Swelling in the face or gums
• Fever
• A bad taste in the mouth

This is a dental emergency that should not be ignored. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body.

We treat abscesses by draining the infection, prescribing antibiotics if needed, and performing root canal therapy or extraction if the tooth cannot be saved.

Lost or Loose Dental Fillings and Crowns

While not always painful, a missing filling or crown can expose the tooth to decay and sensitivity. It can also make chewing difficult and cause sharp edges to irritate your mouth.

If you lose a filling or crown, call our emergency dental clinic. We’ll evaluate the area and replace the lost restoration, protecting the tooth from further harm.

Bleeding Gums and Oral Injuries

If your gums won’t stop bleeding or you’ve experienced trauma to your lips, cheeks, or tongue, it’s best to have a dentist take a look—especially if the bleeding lasts more than 10 minutes.

Our team can gently clean the area, control the bleeding, and check for any deeper injuries to the teeth or jaw.

When to Call for Emergency Dental Services

Sometimes it can be hard to tell if something can wait. As a general rule, call us if:

• You’re in serious pain
• You can’t eat or sleep due to discomfort
• A tooth has been knocked out or broken
• You notice swelling in the face or gums
• You see pus or signs of infection

At Whitehorse Dental, we set aside time daily for emergency dental appointments. We know how stressful these moments can be, so we work quickly to get you out of pain and back to your normal routine.

What to Expect During Your Emergency Dental Appointment

Your comfort is our priority. When you come in for emergency dental care, our team will:

• Listen to your concerns and symptoms
• Perform a gentle exam, possibly with X-rays
• Explain the treatment options clearly
• Provide fast and effective relief

We also make sure you understand what steps to take afterward, whether it’s managing discomfort, protecting your teeth, or scheduling follow-up care. Dental pain is never convenient—but it’s always important. 

Get Your Dental Emergency Checked!

Whether you’re dealing with an intense toothache or a sudden injury, our team at Whitehorse Dental is here to help. We provide reliable and compassionate emergency dental services for patients of all ages.

Don’t suffer in silence. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call us now or book your emergency dental appointment online. 

Fast care means better outcomes—and a healthier, happier smile!