A clear, expert guide from Hakimi Dental Clinic Oldbury
Dental pain or unexpected damage can be worrying, especially if it happens suddenly. One of the biggest sources of confusion for patients is knowing what is a dental emergency, and whether they should seek urgent treatment or wait for a routine appointment.
At Hakimi Dental Clinic in Oldbury, we see emergency patients every week and understand how stressful urgent dental problems can be. Our goal is to make it easy for you to recognise what counts as a dental emergency and ensure you know exactly when to contact us for help.
Whether you’re dealing with severe pain, swelling, a cracked tooth, or bleeding, this guide explains what is classed as a dental emergency, what symptoms you should never ignore, and how our team can support you when you need care most.
Throughout this article, you’ll also find helpful links to our emergency services, routine check-ups, and root canal treatments to guide you towards the right support at the right time.
Understanding what is a dental emergency
A dental emergency is any situation where you require urgent dental care to stop pain, treat an infection, save a tooth, or prevent a problem from becoming more serious.
Many patients are unsure what is a dental emergency versus what can wait for a scheduled visit — and that’s completely normal. The key is to pay attention to symptoms such as:
- Severe or constant toothache
- Facial swelling
- Bleeding that doesn’t stop
- Trauma or knocked-out teeth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sudden sensitivity following injury
- Signs of an abscess (throbbing pain, taste of pus, swelling)
If in doubt, always call our team at
We will assess your symptoms and advise you on whether you need an urgent appointment.
What counts as a dental emergency?
To help make things clearer, here are the most common conditions that count as a dental emergency and require prompt treatment.
1. Severe or unrelenting toothache
Toothache that does not settle with over-the-counter pain relief is one of the clearest signs of what is classed as a dental emergency. Severe pain often indicates:
- Deep decay
- Infection
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- An abscess
- A failing filling or crown
In these cases, delaying treatment may make the situation worse. At Hakimi Dental Clinic, we aim to see urgent cases on the same day whenever possible.
2. Swelling or signs of infection
Infections can spread quickly and may become serious. Dental swelling — whether in the gums, jaw, or face — is always something that counts as a dental emergency.
If you notice any of the following, seek help immediately:
- Swelling around the tooth or face
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- A raised bump on the gum
- Fever alongside tooth pain
Root canal treatment is often used to remove infection, and you can learn more about the process on our
3. Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The quicker you receive treatment, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
If this happens:
- Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown
- Rinse gently if dirty
- Place it in milk or inside your cheek
- Contact us immediately
👉 Emergency Dentist Oldbury
Time is critical — ideally within one hour.
3. Knocked-out tooth
A knocked-out adult tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. The quicker you receive treatment, the higher the chance of saving the tooth.
If this happens:
- Pick up the tooth carefully by the crown
- Rinse gently if dirty
- Place it in milk or inside your cheek
- Contact us immediately
👉 Emergency Dentist Oldbury
Time is critical — ideally within one hour.
4. Cracked, fractured, or broken teeth
A cracked tooth may not always hurt immediately, but it can develop into a painful emergency if left untreated.
You may need:
- A filling
- Composite bonding
- A crown
- A root canal if the pulp is exposed
We can assess the damage during an urgent appointment and guide you toward the best solution. If you’ve never had a cracked tooth before, knowing what counts as a dental emergency helps prevent complications.
5. Excessive bleeding
If you are bleeding from the gums, tongue, or inside the mouth and it does not stop after 10–15 minutes of pressure, this is classed as a dental emergency. It may follow trauma or a recent extraction.
In any case, contact us straight away via
What is classed as a dental emergency during routine dental care?
Sometimes issues occur unexpectedly after dental treatment, and patients are unsure whether they should return urgently.
The following situations count as dental emergencies and should not be ignored:
- Severe pain after a dental procedure
- A crown or filling has fallen out and is causing discomfort
- Persistent bleeding after an extraction
- Swelling following treatment
- A temporary dressing that has come out if it exposes the tooth
During routine appointments, our clinicians always explain what to expect during healing so you feel confident about when to seek help. This is part of the personalised care we offer in our
What is NOT considered a dental emergency?
It’s just as important to know what can wait for a routine appointment. The following issues are uncomfortable but not usually urgent:
- Mild sensitivity
- Small chips without pain
- Cosmetic concerns
- Tightness from new dentures
- Loose baby teeth
- Minor discomfort after a filling
If you’re unsure, you can always contact
We are happy to advise you.
Why you can trust Hakimi Dental Clinic for urgent care
✔ Experienced emergency dentists
We manage urgent dental cases daily, from infections to fractures to sudden severe pain.
✔ Evidence-based treatments
Whether it’s root canal therapy, extraction, or emergency stabilisation, our clinical decisions follow research-based guidelines.
✔ Clear communication
You will always receive a full explanation of what is happening and why, with transparent treatment options.
✔ Reliable, accessible care
Our emergency team is available when you need help, and our online and telephone support makes it simple to reach us.
✔ Continuity of care
After your emergency visit, you can continue treatment through our
How we handle dental emergencies at Hakimi Dental Clinic
When you arrive for an emergency appointment, here’s what you can expect:
1. Assessment and diagnosis
We examine the problem area, ask about your symptoms, and take X-rays if needed.
2. Pain relief always comes first
Our priority is to make you comfortable. We provide local anaesthetic where appropriate.
3. Immediate stabilisation
Depending on the situation, this may include:
- Replacing a lost filling
- Repairing a broken tooth
- Draining an abscess
- Prescribing antibiotics
- Temporary sealing
- Starting a root canal
- Extracting a severely damaged tooth
4. A clear follow-up plan
Some treatments require additional visits, which we’ll explain in detail.
You can book an emergency appointment or read more about our urgent care via
Final thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered what is a dental emergency, what counts as a dental emergency, or what is classed as a dental emergency, the key is simple: pain, swelling, and trauma should never wait.
At
👉 Hakimi Dental Clinic Oldbury
our experienced emergency dentists are here to help you feel better quickly, safely, and with complete reassurance.
Whether you need same-day care or advice on whether your symptoms are urgent, our team is here to support you.
FAQs about what dental emergencies are
A dental emergency is any urgent situation requiring immediate care to relieve pain, treat infection, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. Severe pain, swelling, and trauma are the most common examples.
Issues such as intense toothache, facial swelling, knocked-out teeth, and uncontrolled bleeding all count as emergencies that need same-day attention.
Dentists classify an emergency based on risk: if there is infection, pain, functional impairment, or danger of worsening, it is considered urgent.
Most dental issues should be seen by a dentist, not A&E. However, if you have difficulty breathing, swallowing, or severe facial swelling, go to A&E immediately.
At Hakimi Dental Clinic, we aim to offer same-day emergency appointments whenever possible. Contact us early in the day for the best availability.