Not every dental problem needs an immediate trip to the emergency room, but some situations do require urgent care. Knowing the difference can help you get the right treatment quickly, avoid unnecessary expenses, and protect your long-term oral health.

This guide will help you recognize true dental emergencies, know when to call Des Moines dental office, and understand when a visit to the ER is the safer choice.

Understanding What Counts as a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. These issues can arise suddenly from injuries, infections, or damage to teeth and dental work.

Some examples include:

  • Severe or persistent tooth pain
  • Facial or gum swelling
  • Knocked-out, broken, or chipped teeth
  • Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth

When in doubt, calling your dentist first is often the best place to start. The team at Lawson Dentistry can guide you on whether you should come in for treatment or head to the ER.

Common Dental Emergencies Your Dentist Can Treat

Many urgent dental issues are best handled in the dental office, where the focus is on saving the tooth and preventing further damage. Lawson Dentistry offers same-day or next-day appointments for emergencies whenever possible. You can learn more about our emergency dentistry services to understand how we respond in urgent situations.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If a tooth is completely knocked out, time is critical—getting care within 60 minutes gives you the best chance of saving it. Here are the immediate steps to take if your tooth gets knocked out:

  • Rinse the tooth gently without scrubbing it
  • Be careful not to touch the root of the tooth when rinsing/handling
  • Try to place it back in the socket if possible
  • If not, store it in milk or your own saliva
  • Call your dentist immediately for instructions

For detailed steps, visit our knocked-out tooth guide.

Broken or Chipped Tooth

Even a small chip can expose the inner tooth structure and lead to sensitivity or decay. Here are the steps to take when you’ve broken or chipped a tooth:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water
  • Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Avoid chewing on the injured side
  • Schedule a dental visit as soon as possible

Lost Filling or Crown

When a restoration comes loose, the tooth underneath is vulnerable to further damage. If you’ve lost a filling or crown:

  • Keep the crown or filling in a safe place
  • Avoid sticky or hard foods until it’s repaired
  • Contact your dentist promptly for evaluation and replacement

Severe Toothache

A toothache that disrupts daily life is a sign something is wrong. If you have a severe toothache:

  • Rinse with warm saltwater to keep the area clean
  • Use over-the-counter pain relievers if safe for you
  • Call your dentist to determine the cause and get treatment

Situations That Require the ER Instead

Some dental-related problems can threaten your overall health and require emergency medical attention before dental care can begin.

Go to the ER if you experience:

  • Jaw fractures or dislocations
  • Severe cuts to the face or mouth that won’t stop bleeding
  • Facial swelling that interferes with breathing or swallowing
  • High fever with significant swelling, which may indicate a spreading infection

These situations can be life-threatening if not treated immediately.

When It’s Urgent but Not an Emergency

Not every dental problem is a true emergency, but many still require timely attention. Addressing them early can prevent more serious issues down the road.

Examples include:

  • Small chips that aren’t painful
  • Mild tooth sensitivity
  • Minor gum irritation

For these issues, contact our office to schedule a visit within a few days. Our preventive dentistry services can help you avoid emergencies in the future.

How Lawson Dentistry Handles Dental Emergencies

We understand how stressful a dental emergency can be. That’s why we strive to make urgent care as smooth and efficient as possible.

At Lawson Dentistry, we offer:

  • Flexible scheduling for same-day visits when available
  • Comprehensive diagnostics to find the root of the problem
  • Immediate relief combined with a plan for lasting results

Our integrative dental approach ensures that your oral health care supports your overall well-being. Learn more about this philosophy in our integrative dental medicine overview.

Steps to Take While Waiting for Care

What you do before arriving at the dental office can make a big difference in your outcome.

  • Keep the injured area clean and avoid irritating foods or drinks
  • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
  • Follow any instructions provided by your dental team over the phone

Remain calm and focus on getting to the dentist safely

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While some accidents are unavoidable, many dental emergencies can be prevented with a few simple habits.

  • Wear a custom mouthguard during sports or high-impact activities
  • Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, or non-food items
  • Keep up with regular dental checkups to address small issues before they worsen

Making the Right Call

If you’re unsure whether your situation is a dental emergency or requires the ER, call Lawson Dentistry first. We can assess your symptoms over the phone and help you choose the safest, most effective next step.

Take Action for Your Smile

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, lost a crown, or aren’t sure if you should go to the ER, our team is here to guide you and provide prompt care when you need it most.

Call Lawson Dentistry at (515) 278-4366 today for urgent assistance or click the button below to schedule an appointment.