When something feels off in your mouth – pain, swelling, or a tooth that suddenly feels different – it can be hard to know whether to rush to the dentist or wait it out. At Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry, we understand that uncertainty can be stressful. Some symptoms are minor inconveniences, while others can quickly escalate into serious health problems that affect more than just your teeth and gums.
This guide will help you identify what qualifies as a dental emergency, what you can safely monitor at home, and how our team can help you protect both your oral and overall health.
Understanding the “Complete Health” Connection
Your mouth is the gateway to your body’s health. Inflammation or infection in the mouth can affect vital systems – heart, brain, lungs, and more. That’s why Sierra Smiles takes a complete health approach to emergency dentistry. When we evaluate urgent dental concerns, we don’t just treat the symptom – we look for root causes that could affect your total wellness.
Ignoring dental pain or infection doesn’t just risk losing a tooth. It can lead to serious complications such as:
- Spread of infection to the jaw or bloodstream
- Elevated inflammation levels that contribute to cardiovascular issues
- Compromised sleep and immune function
- Persistent headaches or jaw pain affecting daily quality of life
Our goal is to address emergencies promptly while also identifying underlying issues before they become bigger health threats.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Not every dental issue requires same-day treatment, but certain symptoms signal that you should contact a dentist immediately. Below are some examples to help you determine urgency.
1. Severe Tooth Pain
If pain prevents you from sleeping, eating, or concentrating, it’s a sign something serious is happening – often deep decay, a cracked tooth, or an infection. Left untreated, these issues can spread and cause irreversible damage.
What to do:
Call your dentist right away. Use a cold compress for swelling and avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, which can cause tissue irritation.
2. Swelling of the Gums, Jaw, or Face
Facial swelling can indicate an abscess – a pocket of infection that requires prompt care. In severe cases, swelling can interfere with breathing or swallowing and may require emergency medical attention.
What to do:
Contact a dentist immediately. If you notice fever, difficulty breathing, or swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, go to the nearest emergency room.
3. A Knocked-Out or Loose Adult Tooth
Time is critical – the best chance of saving a natural tooth is within one hour of it being knocked out.
What to do:
Hold the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse if dirty, and place it back in its socket or a container of milk or saline. Call Sierra Smiles right away for emergency treatment.
4. Broken or Cracked Tooth
A small chip may be cosmetic, but a deep crack can expose nerves or lead to infection.
What to do:
Rinse with warm water and avoid chewing on the affected side. Schedule an urgent appointment to evaluate and restore the tooth before the damage worsens.
5. Bleeding That Won’t Stop
Persistent bleeding after a dental procedure or injury could indicate trauma or a clotting issue.
What to do:
Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad and contact your dentist if bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes.
6. Lost Filling, Crown, or Veneer
While not always painful, a missing restoration leaves your tooth vulnerable to sensitivity, decay, and fracture.
What to do:
Keep the area clean and avoid chewing on that side. Temporary dental cement (available at most pharmacies) can protect the tooth until you’re seen.
7. Jaw Pain or Clicking That Suddenly Worsens
Jaw discomfort or popping that suddenly intensifies can signal a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) flare-up or bite imbalance. This may not require an ER visit but should be addressed soon to prevent chronic pain.
What to do:
Apply ice packs and rest the jaw. Schedule an appointment to evaluate TMJ health and rule out airway or muscular concerns.
When It Might Be Safe to Wait
Some dental issues aren’t emergencies but still deserve timely attention:
- Minor sensitivity to temperature changes
- Dull tooth discomfort without swelling
- Small chips or wear spots that don’t expose the nerve
- Loose baby teeth naturally falling out
Even if these issues seem minor, it’s best to schedule an exam to ensure there isn’t a developing problem beneath the surface.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
A “wait and see” approach can sometimes cause greater harm. Dental infections don’t resolve on their own – and delaying care often means more extensive (and expensive) treatment later.
Prompt care at Sierra Smiles allows us to:
- Relieve pain safely and quickly
- Preserve natural teeth whenever possible
- Prevent systemic complications from spreading infection
- Restore comfort and confidence with same-day solutions
Our advanced technology, such as digital imaging and same-day CEREC restorations, helps us treat emergencies efficiently without compromising quality.
Your Complete-Health Emergency Response Plan
Here’s a quick checklist to follow when you think you might be having a dental emergency:
- Stay calm – Panicking increases heart rate and inflammation.
- Assess pain and swelling – Severe or spreading symptoms require immediate care.
- Call your dentist first – Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dental professional, not the ER.
- Follow home-care guidelines – Avoid heat, pressure, or aspirin directly on tissues.
- Schedule follow-up care – Even after symptoms improve, a comprehensive exam ensures long-term oral-systemic health.
Why Choose Sierra Smiles for Emergency Dentistry
At Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry, we’re more than just emergency dentists – we’re your partners in lifelong wellness. Our team combines advanced dental technology with a preventive, whole-body focus to protect your teeth, gums, and overall health.
We offer same-day appointments for emergencies, and our compassionate approach ensures you feel comfortable and cared for, even in stressful situations.
Take the Next Step Toward Complete Health
Don’t ignore pain, swelling, or signs of infection – your body is sending a message. Whether you need urgent attention or just want peace of mind, our team is here to help.
Visit us at any of our three locations – Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry in Reno, NV; Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry – Damonte Ranch in Reno, NV; or Sierra Smiles Complete Health Dentistry – Tahoe in Zephyr Cove, NV – to start your journey toward complete health.