Common Dental Emergencies – Maine Emergency Dentist
Maine Emergency Dentist
Call Emergency Line

Common Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency is often something that most people are unprepared for. When faced with an unexpected dental situation, it’s important to understand the most common dental emergencies and what you can do at home before you see an emergency dentist.

Woman experiencing dental pain

Get Emergency Dental Care at Our Clinic – Available Immediately

Use our emergency dental service to get immediate care for any unexpected dental emergency. Our clinic is available all day, and we offer same-day emergency appointments — including walk-in availability.

Types of Common Dental Emergencies

Understanding different types of dental emergencies can help you respond appropriately and seek the right level of care. Below are the most frequently encountered dental emergencies and their severity levels.

Severe Toothache

URGENT

Intense, persistent pain that interferes with daily activities and may indicate infection or nerve damage.

Immediate Care: Rinse with warm saltwater, take over-the-counter pain medication, apply cold compress to outside of cheek.

Fully Dislodged Tooth

URGENT

Complete loss of tooth due to trauma. Time is critical for potential reimplantation.

Immediate Care: Handle by crown only, rinse gently, store in milk or saliva, seek emergency care within 30 minutes.

Broken/Fractured Tooth

MODERATE

Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth that may cause pain and sensitivity.

Immediate Care: Save broken pieces, rinse mouth with warm water, apply cold compress if swollen.

Partially Dislodged Tooth

MODERATE

Tooth has been moved out of normal position but is still attached.

Immediate Care: Do not touch or move the tooth, apply cold compress, take pain medication as directed.

Lost Dental Crown

STANDARD

Dental crown has come off, exposing the underlying tooth structure.

Immediate Care: Keep crown safe, clean it gently, avoid chewing on that side, use temporary dental cement if available.

Lost Dental Filling

STANDARD

Filling has fallen out, leaving cavity exposed to bacteria and debris.

Immediate Care: Keep area clean, avoid very hot or cold foods, use sugar-free gum as temporary cover.

Oral Bleeding

URGENT

Uncontrolled bleeding from gums, tongue, or oral tissues.

Immediate Care: Apply direct pressure with clean cloth, rinse with cold water, seek immediate care if bleeding doesn’t stop.

Object Stuck Between Teeth

MODERATE

Food or foreign object lodged between teeth causing pain or discomfort.

Immediate Care: Try gentle flossing, rinse with water, do not use sharp objects, seek help if unable to remove.

Soft Tissue Injury

MODERATE

Cuts, tears, or injuries to lips, gums, tongue, or inside of mouth.

Immediate Care: Clean area gently, apply direct pressure to control bleeding, use cold compress for swelling.

Jaw Injury

URGENT

Trauma to jaw bone or joint, difficulty opening or closing mouth.

Immediate Care: Apply cold compress, do not move jaw unnecessarily, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Root Canal Treatment

TREATMENT

Severe infection or inflammation of tooth pulp requiring root canal therapy.

Treatment: Professional endodontic treatment to remove infected pulp and save the tooth.

Dental Bonding & Repairs

TREATMENT

Emergency repairs using dental bonding for chipped or damaged teeth.

Treatment: Composite resin application to restore tooth shape and function quickly.

Emergency Dental Treatment Services

Our network of emergency dentists provides comprehensive treatment for all types of dental emergencies. Each dental provider will require an exam and x-ray before diagnosing any treatment plans.

Tooth Extractions

Emergency removal of severely damaged or infected teeth

Fillings & Sealants

Quick cavity treatment and protective sealant application

Crowns & Bridges

Emergency crown replacement and bridge repairs

Denture Services

Emergency denture repairs and adjustments

Most Common Emergency Treatments

  • Chipped/broken tooth repair
  • Tooth extractions for severe damage
  • Dental implant consultations
  • Bleeding gum treatment
  • Broken crown/filling replacement
  • Cavity treatment and fillings
  • Abscessed tooth drainage and treatment
  • Pain management and antibiotics

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Not all dental issues require emergency treatment, but certain symptoms indicate you need immediate professional care to prevent serious complications.

Seek IMMEDIATE Care For:

  • Severe, persistent pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
  • Knocked-out tooth – time is critical for successful reimplantation
  • Uncontrolled bleeding from mouth or gums
  • Signs of serious infection – fever, swelling, difficulty swallowing
  • Jaw injury or trauma affecting ability to open/close mouth
  • Large facial swelling especially if affecting breathing or swallowing

Schedule Within Hours For:

  • Moderate tooth pain that’s manageable with medication
  • Chipped or cracked tooth without severe pain
  • Lost filling or crown causing discomfort
  • Food stuck between teeth that can’t be removed with flossing
  • Minor gum bleeding that’s persistent
  • Broken orthodontic appliance causing irritation

Remember: When in Doubt, Call for Guidance

Our emergency dental team is available to assess your situation and provide guidance on the appropriate level of care needed. It’s always better to seek professional advice than to wait and risk complications.

Emergency Dental Service Available

Don’t suffer through dental pain. Our emergency dental network connects you with qualified dentists who can provide immediate care when you need it most.

Why Choose Our Emergency Service?

Available
Dentists in all 50 states
Licensed emergency dentists only
Same-day appointments available

Call Emergency Line

Connect with emergency dentists

+12079102646

Enter your zip code when prompted

Over 18 years of emergency dental service experience

Most patients call with extreme pain that will not allow them to wait until the next day to take care of their dental emergency.

Over 75% of patients access our service via mobile device searching “emergency dentist near me”