Recognize a Dental Emergency Few things are as jarring as sudden, severe tooth pain or oral trauma. When a dental crisis hits, knowing exactly what to do can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Learn to recognize the symptoms you should never ignore and how to get urgent care. Common Urgent Dental Issues Common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, swelling, abscesses, and uncontrolled bleeding. These symptoms indicate inf