Experiencing a dental emergency can be scary — sudden pain, a knocked-out tooth, or swelling in your gums can throw off your whole day. Knowing which issues count as real emergencies and what to do before you reach a dentist can make all the difference.

Keep reading to learn more about the most common dental crises people face and how to handle them with emergency dental in Murfreesboro, TN.

What Counts as a Dental Emergency 

A “dental emergency” isn’t just a bad toothache or a loose filling. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), a true dental emergency is any oral condition that requires immediate treatment to stop ongoing tissue bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or stop infection. 

These emergencies aren’t just about discomfort — left unchecked, they can lead to serious complications. That’s why getting prompt attention is so important. 

Here are the most common dental emergencies you should know about.

Severe Toothache 

Probably the most common reason people call for emergency dental care is a severe toothache. When a toothache becomes intense, persistent, or throbbing — even after over-the-counter pain relief — it may signal a deeper problem. 

• Sometimes a severe toothache is caused by deep decay reaching the dental pulp (the nerve inside the tooth), leading to inflammation or infection.
• Other times, pain can escalate if an old filling breaks or the enamel crack exposes sensitive tooth layers. 

What to do before you see a dentist: gently rinse your mouth with warm water, floss to clear out trapped food, apply a cold compress outside your cheek if there’s swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relief if appropriate. Avoid putting any painkillers directly on your gums or teeth. 

If the pain doesn’t ease or gets worse — especially with swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing — that’s a strong signal to seek emergency dental in Murfreesboro, TN.

Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Teeth 

Accidents happen — biting something hard, a fall, or an impact can cause a tooth to crack, chip, or break. What may look like a minor issue can quickly escalate into a painful emergency.

• A crack or break that exposes the inner layers of the tooth (dentin or pulp) can cause sharp pain, sensitivity, or infection.
• Small chips might seem minor but can leave sharp edges that injure your tongue or inner cheek — and potentially weaken the tooth over time. 

What to do: rinse gently with warm water, save any pieces of the tooth, and avoid chewing on the damaged side. Get checked out by a dentist to see whether bonding, a crown, or other treatment is needed to prevent further damage or infection.

Knocked-Out or Dislodged Teeth

Few dental emergencies cause more panic than a tooth being knocked out or partially dislodged. But fast, proper action from emergency dental in Murfreesboro, TN can sometimes save the tooth — especially for a permanent adult tooth. 

If a tooth gets knocked out (known as “avulsion”):

• Pick it up gently by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Rinse it briefly — don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue. 
• If possible, try to reinsert it in its socket right away. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in a small container of milk, saliva, or a specialized tooth preservation medium. 
• Getting to a dentist within an hour gives the best shot at saving the tooth. 

Even a partially dislodged (luxated) or loose tooth — if caused by trauma — counts as an emergency and needs prompt evaluation. 

Dental Abscesses and Infections 

One of the more serious emergencies is a dental abscess. That’s when an infection near a tooth’s root or gums causes pus, swelling, and sometimes fever. If untreated, the infection can spread and cause serious health complications. 

Common signs:

• Severe, throbbing pain in or around the tooth.
• Gum swelling, tenderness, or a pimple-like bump near the gum line.
• Bad taste or odor in the mouth, fever, or general sense of illness (in serious cases). 

What to do while waiting for dental care: gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt-water solution to help reduce discomfort and draw pus toward the surface. But don’t wait — a dental abscess needs prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading. 

Lost Fillings or Crowns & Restoration Damage 

Sometimes what feels like a small issue — a filling falling out or a crown breaking — can quickly turn into an emergency. A lost filling or crown exposes the underlying tooth to decay, sensitivity, and infection. 

Even without pain, exposed dentin or sharp edges can irritate soft tissue or leave the tooth vulnerable to further damage. That’s why such situations — though they may seem manageable — often require urgent attention from a dentist. 

If you experience this: collect any pieces you can, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth, and get to a dentist soon — ideally the same day.

Expert Emergency Dental in Murfreesboro, TN

If you’re in Murfreesboro and experience a true dental emergency — severe tooth pain, a knocked-out or cracked tooth, a lost crown or filling, or swelling from a possible abscess — don’t hesitate. Murfreesboro Family Dentistry is equipped to help local residents with prompt, professional care when it matters most.

Contact us immediately if you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies. Early intervention can save a tooth.