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Understanding Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any sudden problem with your teeth, gums, or mouth that causes severe pain, bleeding, or swelling. It can happen after an injury, a knocked-out tooth, a broken filling, or a toothache that becomes unbearable and will not go away. You should see a dentist or doctor right away — the sooner you get help, the better the chance of saving your tooth and stopping the problem from getting worse.

Common Symptoms / Concerns for Dental Emergency

Severe toothache that does not go away
A tooth that has been knocked out or broken
Swelling in the gum, jaw, or face
Bleeding from the mouth or gums that does not stop
A loose or cracked tooth
Pain when biting or chewing
Sensitivity to hot or cold that is very sharp or painful
A bad taste or smell coming from the mouth
Difficulty opening or closing your mouth
Pus or a sore on the gum near a tooth

When to Seek Professional Care

Book an evaluation with a healthcare provider immediately if you experience or present with:

  • A tooth that has been completely knocked out
  • Heavy bleeding from the mouth that will not stop after 10 minutes
  • Severe swelling in the face or jaw that is spreading quickly
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling in the mouth
  • A broken tooth with sharp edges causing pain or cutting the tongue
  • Unbearable toothache that is keeping you from sleeping or eating
  • Signs of infection such as fever, pus, or a very swollen jaw

What to Expect During Your Medical Consultation

When you arrive at the clinic, the dentist or doctor will ask you about your pain, how long it has been happening, and whether you had any injury to your mouth. They will examine your teeth, gums, and jaw, and may take an X-ray to see what is happening inside. Do not be afraid — the team is there to help you feel better and will explain every step before they treat you.

Medical Divisions Vetted for Dental Emergency

Our platform supports multiple clinical specialties capable of providing consultations for this visit type:

Kwabena

Kwabena Amponsah-Kodua

100

per visit

Prime: ₵90

Accra5(1)
Today Highly RatedVirtual

General dental surgeon with special interest in aesthetic dentistry, dental implants and clear aligners(invisalign) treatment.

Next available — tue, Jul 21

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes a dental emergency?

Dental emergencies can be caused by accidents or injuries to the mouth, such as a fall or a blow to the face. They can also happen when a tooth has been left untreated for a long time and the decay or infection becomes very bad. Sometimes a filling or crown can break suddenly, causing pain and sensitivity.

Can I treat a dental emergency at home?

You can take a painkiller like paracetamol to help manage the pain while you wait to see a dentist, but home treatment is not a cure. If a tooth has been knocked out, keep it moist by placing it in a cup of clean water or milk and go to a clinic immediately. Do not try to pull out a tooth or drain a swelling yourself, as this can make things much worse.

What should I do if my tooth is knocked out?

Pick up the tooth by the white part (the crown) and do not touch the root. If it is dirty, rinse it gently with clean water but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in a cup of milk or clean water, and get to a dentist as quickly as possible — ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.

How is a dental emergency treated at the clinic?

Treatment depends on the problem. A knocked-out tooth may be re-inserted and held in place, while a badly infected tooth may need to be drained or removed. The dentist may prescribe antibiotics if there is an infection, and pain relief to help you feel more comfortable. They will also advise you on how to care for your mouth after treatment.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

Visit a dentist regularly so that small problems are caught before they become serious. Brush your teeth twice a day and avoid chewing on very hard foods like bones or hard sweets that can crack your teeth. If you play contact sports, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth from injury.

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