When to See an Emergency Dentist: Common Situations and What to Do

Dental emergencies have a way of happening at the worst possible time: right before a big presentation, during the first bite of a caramel apple at the Des Moines Downtown Farmers’ Market, or at 8:00 p.m. on a Friday when everything’s closed. Knowing when to seek urgent dental care and what to do before you get there can mean the difference between saving a tooth and losing one.

At Veranda Dentistry, we can be your emergency dentist. We combine quick response with advanced technology and a friendly, judgment-free approach so you can get relief fast and protect your long-term oral health. “Dental emergencies can be stressful. But with quick action, we can not only get you out of pain, but often prevent bigger problems down the road,” says Dr. Chad Johnson, DDS, FAGD.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency?

Clinically speaking, a dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate intervention to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, prevent infection, or save a tooth. These are not “wait and see” situations; they need attention now.

Certain issues, like a chipped tooth without pain, may have some urgency but not rise to the level of an emergency. Others, like swelling that affects your breathing, require immediate medical attention before you even think about the dental chair.

If you’re on the fence, it’s better to call. At Veranda Dentistry, our team can talk you through symptoms over the phone and help decide whether you need same-day treatment.

Common Situations Requiring an Emergency Dentist

Severe Tooth Pain

Tooth pain that stops you from eating, sleeping, or focusing is often the body’s way of signaling a significant problem, such as:

• Advanced tooth decay reaching the pulp (nerve)
• A fractured tooth exposing sensitive dentin
• Acute pulpitis (inflammation of the nerve)
• Abscess formation at the root tip

While pain relievers can dull the sensation temporarily, they don’t treat the underlying condition. Left untreated, these problems can progress to more serious infections or tooth loss.

Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsion)

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Studies show that reimplanting the tooth within 30–60 minutes gives the best chance of saving it. Here’s what to do immediately if a tooth gets knocked out:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown, not the root, to avoid damaging delicate periodontal ligament fibers.
• If dirty, gently rinse with saline or milk, not tap water, which can harm root cells.
• If possible, reinsert into the socket and hold in place. If not, store in milk or a tooth preservation kit (handy for sports teams).
• Get to our office immediately and call us on the way. 

Broken or Chipped Teeth

Small chips may just need smoothing or bonding, but deeper fractures can expose the pulp and create a direct pathway for bacteria. Restorative options depend on the damage: bonding, onlays, crowns, or, in severe cases, root canal therapy. Our CEREC® same-day crown system often allows us to repair a fractured tooth in one visit, avoiding the need for temporary restorations.

Infections or Abscesses

Dental abscesses are localized bacterial infections that can cause:

• Throbbing pain
• Facial swelling
• Fever
• Lymph node tenderness

Left untreated, infection can spread to the jawbone, neck, or beyond. This is not something to “tough out” with ibuprofen. Abscesses require drainage and removal of the infection source, often through root canal therapy or extraction, combined with antibiotics when indicated.

Additional Situations Worth Immediate Attention

Beyond the big four, certain other scenarios also qualify as emergencies:

• Persistent bleeding after a dental procedure
• Soft tissue injuries to the tongue, cheeks, or lips
• Lost crowns or fillings that expose tooth structure
• Broken orthodontic wires or brackets, causing significant pain or injury

What to Do Before You See the Dentist

While you wait for your appointment, the right steps can make a big difference:

• For pain: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (as directed) 
• Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums
• For swelling: Apply a cold compress in 10–15 minute intervals
• For bleeding: Use clean gauze and gentle, consistent pressure
• For a knocked-out tooth: Follow the avulsion protocol mentioned earlier
• For broken teeth: Avoid chewing on that side, and keep the area clean

How Veranda Dentistry Handles Emergency Appointments

We know dental emergencies don’t respect your time, which is why we keep space in our schedule for urgent cases. Our approach to emergency dentistry combines:

• Rapid diagnosis with digital X-rays and 3D imaging
• Pain management, including local anesthesia and sedation dentistry if needed
• Advanced treatment options, from same-day crowns to laser-assisted procedures

And because emergencies are stressful enough without extra complications, our team keeps communication clear and the atmosphere friendly. As our patients know, we’ve been known to crack a joke even while mixing dental cement. Call it comic relief, but whatever you call it, it lifts everyone’s spirits.

Whether your emergency happens during a lunch break downtown or after a bike ride on the High Trestle Trail, knowing you have a trusted emergency dentist in Des Moines can make the situation far less daunting. If you’re ever in doubt, call us. We’ll help you decide on the best next step and get you the care you need. 

Disclaimer: The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Your results may vary.