What is Considered a Dental Emergency?
Generally, any dental problem that requires immediate attention to stop bleeding, pain, or save a tooth will be considered an emergency. Severe infections may also require immediate attention.
If you have any of these symptoms or feel that you may require immediate dental treatment for another reason, or if you are unsure about the urgency of your condition, please call our office to discuss the best option with our team. If you feel that you are in an immediately life-threatening situation, please call 9-1-1 directly.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to seek emergency dental care:
- Uncontrollable Bleeding: This is when there is persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop even after applying pressure.
- Severe Pain: Intense and unrelenting pain in your teeth, gums, or jaw can indicate a serious underlying issue and will need prompt treatment.
- Tooth Damage: Cracked, broken, or knocked-out teeth require urgent care to increase the chances of saving the tooth and preventing further damage.
- Severe Infections: Signs of infection are swelling, fever, and severe pain. Infections may indicate an abscess or other serious condition that needs immediate treatment from our emergency dentists.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
- Broken Teeth and Crowns: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces and contact our office immediately.
- Knocked-Out or Displaced Teeth: Be sure to handle the tooth by the crown (top part of the tooth). Rinse the tooth gently with water if it’s dirty. Try to place the tooth back in its socket without touching the root. (If the tooth is a baby tooth, disregard that step as baby teeth are not to be put back in the socket.) If putting it back into the socket isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or a saline solution and call Spark Dental within an hour.
- Dislodged or Loosened Teeth: Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid moving the tooth. Seek immediate dental care from Spark Dental to stabilise the tooth and prevent further damage.
- Damaged Dentures: Do not attempt to repair damaged dentures yourself. Contact the Spark Dental office for proper repair to ensure they fit correctly and comfortably.
- Painful/Bleeding Gums: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water and apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If the bleeding persists or is accompanied by severe pain, call us at Spark Dental.
- Inflammation and Swelling: Swelling can indicate an infection or abscess. Apply a cold compress and contact our office to schedule an emergency appointment.
- Sudden Temperature Sensitivity: Severe sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures can indicate a cavity, cracked tooth, or exposed root. Avoid extreme temperatures and seek emergency dental care.
- Accidents: Dental injuries from sports, auto accidents, or other traumatic events should be evaluated immediately. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and seek emergency dental care.
Contact Us for Emergency Dental Care
At Spark Dental, your health and well-being are our top priorities. We are here to provide the urgent dental care you need to alleviate pain, prevent complications, and restore your oral health.