Patient in Augusta GA checking for signs of dental emergency like tooth pain or swelling

Is It an Emergency? 5 Signs You Need to See a Dentist Immediately

January 9, 2026
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Posted By: Dr. Robert Turner
signs to see dentist immediately

A dental emergency often happens when you least expect it; maybe you’re playing your favorite sport and sustain an injury, or you wake up in the middle of the night with an excruciating toothache. When a dental concern threatens to ruin your weekend plans or keep you from going to work or school, you must know what to do and who to call.

Instead of hoping for the best, certain circumstances require immediate attention. So, what is a dental emergency, and when should you call us?

5 Signs You Need Emergency Dental Care

We often hear patients say that they were unsure whether their situation was a dental emergency. We’ll happily answer your questions and schedule an appointment for a later date if you don’t need immediate care.

However, these are the signs you need to see a dentist immediately:

  1. Severe tooth pain — If you experience intense tooth pain that doesn’t lessen when you take over-the-counter medications, you could have a serious infection that needs to be treated right away.
  2. Swelling and fever — Any time you have facial swelling or severely swollen gums accompanied by a fever, there’s a chance you have an infection that could be dangerous to your oral and overall health.
  3. Knocked-out tooth — For a tooth that has been completely knocked out, time is critical. We need to see you in our office within a couple of hours, giving us the best chance of reinserting and saving your natural tooth.
  4. Bleeding gums — If you sustain a soft tissue injury and your gums are bleeding, or if you have painful bleeding gums not due to an injury, it’s best to contact our office. We’ll alleviate your discomfort and customize a treatment plan to restore your oral health.
  5. Loose or shifting teeth — Your teeth shouldn’t wiggle or shift in your mouth, so if you have loose teeth, it could be due to gum disease or bone loss. Either way, you need to call our Augusta dental office.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Augusta, GA?

If so, look no further than the experienced emergency dentist in Augusta, GA at West Augusta Dental Associates! We understand how scary a dental emergency can be, and we’re here to help you relax and restore your smile.

When the unexpected happens, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll do whatever we can to offer prompt, gentle care to you or a loved one.

You can reach us by calling (706) 738-8070.

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