Tooth pain doesn’t always give you a heads-up. One moment you’re enjoying lunch, and the next—a sharp jolt, swelling, or bleeding catches you off guard. According to the American Dental Association, dental emergencies account for millions of unplanned visits every year in the U.S.
At Fountain of Youth Dental, we know how overwhelming a dental emergency can feel, especially when you’re not sure what’s happening or what to do next. The key? Knowing the warning signs early so you can act fast and protect your oral health.
This guide walks you through the most common dental emergency symptoms and what they might mean.
Severe or Persistent Tooth Pain
Let’s start with the big one: pain. Not every toothache is an emergency—but if the pain is intense, lingering, or comes on suddenly, it could signal a deeper issue.
Sharp, throbbing pain may point to an infection, exposed nerve, or advanced decay. Dull aches can also become worse quickly if left untreated.
Here’s when to call us:
- The pain keeps you up at night or interferes with daily life
- You notice swelling near the tooth or in the jaw
- Over-the-counter pain meds aren’t working
Even if the pain seems to come and go, it’s worth getting checked out. Minor issues can become emergencies fast if ignored.
Swelling in the Face or Jaw
Swelling is one of the clearest signs your body is trying to tell you something isn’t right.
Facial or jaw swelling often points to infection—especially when it’s paired with pain, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth. An untreated dental abscess can spread and lead to serious complications if not handled quickly.
Keep an eye out for:
- Puffiness or warmth near the jawline or under the eye
- Tightness or restricted movement when opening your mouth
- General feeling of illness, chills, or fatigue
Swelling is never something to wait on. Give us a call so we can help determine the cause and next steps.
Bleeding Gums That Won’t Stop
Some gum bleeding during flossing is fairly common—especially if you’ve skipped a few days. But heavy, spontaneous, or persistent bleeding? That’s different.
Excessive bleeding could indicate gum disease, injury, or irritation around a recent dental procedure. It can also be a sign of a more serious systemic issue.
Signs of concern include:
- Bleeding that continues for more than 10 minutes
- Swelling, redness, or pain in the gums
- A foul odor or taste in the mouth
If your gums are bleeding frequently or without a clear reason, let us take a look. Early treatment can prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
A Knocked-Out or Loose Tooth
This is one of the most urgent dental emergencies we treat. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, time is critical—there’s a small window where we may be able to save it.
And if a tooth suddenly feels loose (without any trauma), that’s a red flag too. It could be due to infection or advanced gum disease.
Act fast if:
- A tooth is fully knocked out and you can find it
- You feel movement in a tooth that should be stable
- There’s pain or bleeding along the gumline
Keep the knocked-out tooth moist (preferably in milk or your own saliva) and get to our office as quickly as possible.
Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth
Chipped teeth aren’t always an emergency—but cracked or broken ones can quickly lead to infection or sensitivity.
If a fracture extends to the root or nerve, you may need treatment right away. Sharp edges can also injure your tongue or cheek if left exposed.
Look out for:
- Sudden pain when chewing or biting
- Visible pieces of tooth missing
- Increased sensitivity to heat or cold
In many cases, we can restore the tooth the same day. The key is getting it looked at early before the damage worsens.
Signs of Infection or Abscess
Dental infections aren’t always dramatic at first. But once an abscess forms, it can become serious very quickly.
Infections often start near the root of a tooth or along the gumline. They can spread to other parts of the body if not treated.
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling or a visible bump on the gum
- Constant or worsening tooth pain
- Bad breath or a persistent bad taste in the mouth
- Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
Don’t take chances with infection. If you notice any of these signs, call us at (210) 614-5481 right away.
When to Call Your Dentist Immediately
We get it—not every dental issue feels like a big deal. But in many cases, acting fast is what makes the difference between a simple fix and a bigger problem.
Here are a few clear signs that mean you should call us ASAP:
- Sudden or severe tooth pain
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Knocked-out or loose teeth
- Symptoms of infection
If you’re unsure, give us a call. We’d rather you check in and not need emergency care than wait too long.
How to Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency
You can’t always prevent a dental emergency—but you can be ready to respond. Having a few basic items on hand at home can help you act quickly and reduce stress.
Here’s what we recommend keeping in a dental emergency kit:
- Gauze and a small mirror
- Dental wax and salt packets
- A clean container for storing a knocked-out tooth
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Our phone number: (210) 614-5481
When the unexpected happens, you’ll be glad you were prepared. And we’ll be ready to help.
Let Us Help You Stay Comfortable and Safe
Whether it’s a chipped tooth, severe pain, or swelling that won’t go down, we’re here for you. At Fountain of Youth Dental, we take dental emergencies seriously—and we’ll do everything we can to get you seen quickly and comfortably.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t wait. Call us at (210) 614-5481 and let’s get you the care you need.
