Tooth pain, a chipped crown, or swelling in your jaw can make it hard to determine whether you need urgent attention or if it can wait a few days. At Ivy Dental, we receive many calls that begin with, “I’m not sure if this is a dental emergency, but…” And that’s a fair question. Not every issue requires the same-day treatment, but some problems shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they involve pain, infection, or injury.
This blog walks you through the most common signs that it’s time to call an emergency dentist in Stockport. We’ll also explain what to do if you’re unsure and how we support patients during urgent situations.
1. Pain That Won’t Go Away
A little discomfort from cold drinks or a sore jaw in the morning isn’t always urgent, but pain that’s sharp, constant, or throbbing usually means something is wrong. It could be a deep cavity, an exposed nerve, or even an infection under the tooth. If pain is keeping you up at night or getting worse, that’s not something to wait on. A proper diagnosis from your emergency dentist in Stockport can help ease the pain and stop it from getting more serious.
2. Swelling in Your Face or Jaw
Swelling around your mouth or jaw can be a sign of infection, especially if it’s warm to the touch, red, or spreading quickly. Facial swelling may also affect your ability to open your mouth or swallow comfortably. These are signs that the issue could be spreading beyond the tooth. Infections like this need immediate attention. Delaying treatment could lead to complications that go beyond your oral health.
3. A Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth has been completely knocked out, whether from a fall, sports injury, or accident, this is absolutely a dental emergency. The earlier you visit a dentist, the better your chances are of saving the tooth. Try to place the tooth back in the socket (without touching the root) or store it in milk and bring it to your appointment. At Ivy Dental, we provide urgent support to increase the chances of reattachment in cases like this.
4. Broken or Cracked Tooth
Not all cracks are visible, and not all broken teeth hurt right away. But if you have a visible break, sharp edges cutting your tongue, or pain when chewing, that’s a sign the tooth may be damaged inside. If not treated, this issue can result in infection or even total tooth loss. Your emergency dentist in Stockport can assess the break and prevent it from worsening.
5. Bleeding That Doesn’t Stop
Mild bleeding from brushing too hard isn’t a reason to panic, but if your gums or mouth are bleeding heavily and it doesn’t stop after 15–20 minutes with gentle pressure, you should call a dentist. This may be a sign of gum disease, trauma, or post-treatment complications. Ongoing bleeding needs urgent care to avoid further damage or infection.
6. Loose Adult Tooth
Adult teeth aren’t meant to wiggle. If one of your teeth suddenly feels loose, even if it isn’t painful, it could be a sign of trauma, bone loss, or advanced gum disease. Early intervention provides the best chance to save the tooth and prevent the issue from affecting neighbouring teeth.
7. Signs of a Dental Abscess
Abscesses can develop quickly and become serious fast. If you notice a small bump on your gum, experience a bad taste in your mouth, have trouble chewing, or feel feverish and tired, you could be dealing with an infection deep below the surface. This is one of the most common reasons people visit an emergency dentist in Stockport, and one of the most important not to ignore.
Not Sure If It’s an Emergency?
It’s okay not to know. Some issues, like a lost filling or minor sensitivity, might not be emergencies, but they still need attention. If you’re ever unsure, just give us a call. We’ll ask the right questions and help you figure out the best next step. You don’t have to decide alone.
What to Expect from Ivy Dental in an Emergency
At Ivy Dental, we provide emergency appointments for both registered and non-registered patients. Our team is calm, experienced, and focused on relieving pain while protecting your long-term oral health. Whether it’s a Saturday morning or a weekday evening, we’ll do our best to see you quickly and make the process simple and reassuring.
Final Thoughts
Dental problems can escalate from uncomfortable to urgent in a matter of minutes. If you’re dealing with pain, swelling, a knocked-out tooth, or anything that feels off, it’s worth speaking to an expert sooner rather than later. Your health and peace of mind are invaluable.
Need an emergency dentist in Stockport? Contact Ivy Dental now to speak to our team and book the care you need.
