There are certain things we rarely think about—until we need them. They sit quietly in the background of our lives: a flashlight tucked in the drawer, a smoke alarm blinking gently overhead, a tool kit gathering dust on a shelf. We don’t spend much time appreciating their presence, because ideally, we’ll never have to use them. But when something unexpected happens, they shift from overlooked to essential in an instant. It’s strange how comfort sometimes comes from things designed for the worst-case scenario. These quiet safeguards don’t ask for attention; they just wait until we need a moment of calm inside the chaos. Emergency dentistry is one of those safety nets. At J. Michael Williams, DDS, we provide emergency dentistry so that when dental pain strikes suddenly—or an accident leaves you with a broken tooth—you’re not left to face the discomfort alone.
Our goal is to restore your comfort and protect your oral health with as little stress as possible. Emergencies may be unpredictable, but your access to skilled dental care shouldn’t be.
How To Know If You Need Emergency Dentistry
You may be wondering, “Should I call the dentist or wait it out?”—you’re not alone. When something feels off in your mouth, it’s easy to imagine the worst. Pain and uncertainty can make even minor symptoms feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re here: to help you understand what truly needs urgent care, and what can safely wait until regular business hours.
A dental emergency typically involves a sudden issue that causes significant pain, swelling, or trauma—and needs quick attention to avoid further complications. These situations can escalate fast, so it’s important not to ignore them.
- Severe toothache or throbbing pain: If your tooth pain lasts more than a day or keeps you from sleeping, eating, or functioning, it may be a sign of infection or decay. Don’t wait.
- Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face: Especially if it comes with a fever or trouble swallowing, this could point to a dangerous abscess or spreading infection.
- Knocked-out tooth: If you’ve lost a tooth from trauma, time is critical. The sooner we treat it, the better the chance we can save it.
- Broken, chipped, or cracked teeth (with pain): Sharp edges or exposed nerves need prompt care to prevent further damage or infection.
- Injury to the face or jaw: Any facial trauma—especially if breathing, speaking, or chewing is affected—warrants immediate treatment.
What Usually Isn’t an Emergency (But Still Requires Care)
Not every dental issue requires immediate treatment, and understanding the difference can help ease your worry. Mild tooth sensitivity or dull, occasional aches are typically not considered emergencies. These symptoms may simply be signs of enamel wear or minor irritation. However, if the discomfort escalates to a throbbing, severe, or lingering pain, that could signal something more serious.
However, you should still schedule a visit with us. Leaving these issues unaddressed can lead to further damage, sensitivity, or cosmetic concerns. If the tooth starts to hurt, becomes sensitive to temperature, or the damage worsens, reach out right away—it may need immediate care.
Losing a filling or crown can feel unsettling, but if you’re not experiencing pain or strong sensitivity, it usually isn’t a true dental emergency. Still, the exposed tooth is more vulnerable to damage or decay. That’s why it’s important to contact us soon so we can restore the tooth and protect it from further harm.
These types of situations are generally non-urgent, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. A timely evaluation will ensure the problem doesn’t evolve into something more painful or complex. And if you’re unsure where your symptoms fall on the urgency scale, don’t hesitate to call us. We’re always here to help guide you toward the right care at the right time.
Emergency Dentistry When You Need It Most
If you’re facing a true emergency or simply unsure about your symptoms, we’re here to help. Our team will do everything possible to see you the same day, and if you call after hours, our on-call staff is available to answer questions and help schedule the earliest available appointment—often the very next business day.
At J. Michael Williams, DDS, your comfort is our priority. We’re committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most—because no one should have to face dental pain alone.
Stay connected with us on Facebook and Instagram for dental tips, updates, and behind-the-scenes moments from our team!
