Dental pain has a way of showing up at the worst possible moment. However, not every tooth twinge requires a frantic call to an emergency dentist near me. But some situations absolutely do—and knowing the difference can save your tooth, prevent serious infection, or stop a small problem from turning into a painful (and expensive) disaster.
At Tomlinson Family Dental in Roosevelt, Dr. Flint Tomlinson and Dr. Heston Farnsworth help families across the Uintah Basin figure out what’s urgent and what can wait. Let’s walk through seven clear signs that you must pick up the phone and get help quickly.
Sign #1: Your Tooth Got Knocked Out Completely
This one’s pretty straightforward. If a tooth comes completely out of your mouth—whether you’re an adult who took an elbow during pickup basketball or a kid who face-planted off the monkey bars—you’ve got a genuine dental emergency on your hands.
Time matters a lot here. The faster you act, the better your dentist’s chance of saving that tooth. Rinse it gently with water (don’t scrub it), try to place it back in the socket if you can, or keep it in a container of milk. Then, get to an emergency dentist within 30 minutes if possible.
Sign #2: You’ve Got Severe, Unrelenting Tooth Pain
Severe tooth pain isn’t just discomfort; it signals a serious problem like infection, crack, or abscess. When pain becomes unbearable, seek an emergency dentist who can diagnose quickly and provide rapid relief—sometimes the same day. Dr. Farnsworth and Dr. Tomlinson will assess your symptoms, take X-rays if needed, and develop an effective treatment plan.
Sign #3: Your Face, Jaw, or Gums Are Swelling Up
Swelling around your mouth, face, or jaw is one of those signs you absolutely cannot ignore. It often means infection has spread beyond the tooth into the surrounding tissue. Left untreated, a dental infection can become dangerous—even life-threatening in rare cases—because it can spread to other parts of your head, neck, or bloodstream.
Look for these warning signs:
- Noticeable puffiness in your cheek, jaw, or around your eye
- Swollen, tender gums that look red or feel hot to touch
- Swelling that makes it hard to swallow, breathe, or open your mouth fully
- A fever along with facial swelling
If you notice any of these, call our Roosevelt office right away. Dental infections need professional treatment—usually antibiotics and sometimes a procedure like a root canal or extraction to remove the source of infection. We’ll get you seen quickly, figure out what’s happening, and stop the infection before it causes bigger problems.
Sign #4: You’re Bleeding From Your Mouth and It Won’t Stop
Persistent bleeding from gums, tongue, cheek, or a lost tooth site can indicate issues. You might have bitten something sharp, a dental procedure might not be healing, or gum disease may have worsened. Bleeding not stopping after 10-15 minutes of gentle pressure needs urgent care.
Our team will figure out where the bleeding’s coming from, get it under control, and determine if you need stitches, medication, or restorative treatment to fix the underlying issue. Don’t just keep spitting into the sink and hoping it stops. Get help.
Sign #5: You’ve Got a Broken, Cracked, or Seriously Chipped Tooth
Not every chip is an emergency. A small, painless chip on a front tooth can wait for a regular appointment. However, a large break exposing inner tooth layers, a crack causing sharp pain, or jagged fractures needing removal require urgent care. Exposed inner layers risk infection from air, bacteria, and food. Broken teeth can cut soft tissues, and nerve damage causes pain from mild to severe.
Sign #6: You Lost a Filling or Crown and You’re in Pain
Losing a filling or crown happens more often than you’d think. You’re chewing gum, eating caramel, biting into crusty bread—and suddenly something feels wrong. You probe around with your tongue and realize a filling’s gone or a crown popped off.
If the exposed tooth doesn’t hurt and you can see us within a day or two, you might be okay waiting for a regular appointment. But if you’re experiencing pain, extreme sensitivity, or sharp edges that hurt your tongue, you need to call for emergency dentistry services right away.
A missing filling or crown leaves the tooth vulnerable to food, bacteria, and nerve exposure, risking further damage. We’ll replace or temporarily fix it until permanent treatment. Bring the crown if you have it; sometimes, we can replace it the same day. For lost filling, we’ll remove the area and place a new one to protect your tooth and reduce discomfort.
Sign #7: You Notice Signs of a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus from bacterial infection, a serious emergency due to quick spread if untreated. It can form at the tooth root, gum, or surrounding bone.
Watch for:
- Painful gum bump or swelling
- Persistent bad taste
- Throbbing pain radiating to the ear, jaw, or neck
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Fever or unwell feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or neck
If suspected, call Tomlinson Family Dental immediately. Ignoring it can cause bone loss, infection spread, or sepsis.
Why Roosevelt Families Trust Tomlinson Family Dental for Emergencies
We know emergency visits can feel overwhelming. Our office includes a play area for kids, comfortable seating, and convenient parking so you can get in and out without added hassle. And because we understand that unexpected dental bills create financial stress, we offer flexible payment solutions including a dental membership plan and a patient savings plan designed to make emergency care more affordable.
Want to know more about the dentists who’ll be treating you? Check out our team’s background and approach before you come in. You’ll feel better knowing you’re in experienced, caring hands.
Finding A Trusted Emergency Dentist Near Me
Dental emergencies feel awful, but you don’t have to face them alone. We’re conveniently located to serve Roosevelt and the entire Uintah Basin community. Whether you need urgent care for yourself, your child, or another family member, our experienced team provides the kind of prompt, gentle attention you can count on. We treat the sudden, painful, and scary stuff—all while keeping you informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Don’t wait for a dental emergency to become a dental disaster. Contact us today to schedule your visit with an emergency dentist near me. Relief is just down the road, and we’re ready to help you feel like yourself again.
