I Thought It Could Wait… Until It Didn’t: A Lesson in Dental Emergencies

We see it all the time.

A patient walks through our doors – pale, holding their jaw, eyes tired from a night of no sleep. And almost always, the first thing they say is,
"I thought it could wait."

This particular story stays with me because it happened not long ago and reminds us why our 24-hour emergency dentist service exists.

A Simple Toothache — Or So It Seemed

It started as a mild discomfort for the patient. A bit of sensitivity while drinking something cold. No major swelling, no bleeding, no trauma. They'd brushed it off as "one of those things" and figured it would pass.

But dental issues have a way of creeping up when you least expect them.

Two days later — a Saturday night — the discomfort turned into a deep, throbbing pain. Painkillers didn't touch it. Eating became difficult. And by the early hours of Sunday morning, the patient was in agony, unsure whether to head to A&E or suffer through the night.

Luckily, they searched online and found us.

Why Timing Matters in Dental Emergencies

By the time we saw the patient, it was clear they had a developing abscess. There was swelling in the jaw, and pressure building that could have led to further complications if left untreated — not just in the tooth, but also affecting nearby tissues.

We drained the infection, provided immediate relief, prescribed antibiotics, and arranged follow-up treatment to fully resolve the issue. Within 30 minutes, they had gone from panic to relief.

This is the difference prompt treatment can make. It's also why we offer a true 24-hour emergency dentist service for patients across Birmingham and surrounding areas.

A Common Pattern: "I Didn't Want to Bother Anyone"

One of the biggest barriers to emergency dental care isn't access — it's hesitation.

Patients worry they're overreacting. Or they hope it'll improve over the weekend. Or they don't want to be a bother. But the mouth doesn't work on a 9 to 5 schedule. Pain can escalate quickly, and sometimes what seems small is actually the first warning sign of something more serious.

As dentists, we always tell our patients:
If you're unsure whether it's urgent, that's reason enough to call.

When Should You Call a 24-Hour Emergency Dentist?

While not every issue is critical, here are signs you should never ignore:

• Sudden, intense toothache
• Swelling in the face or jaw
• Bleeding that won't stop
• A knocked-out or broken tooth
• Signs of infection (fever, bad taste, pus)
• Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing

In these situations, acting fast can prevent permanent damage, save a tooth, or stop an infection from spreading.

We're Here — Even When Others Aren't

At The Dentist West Midlands, we've built our service around one simple idea:
When you're in pain, you shouldn't have to wait.

We understand how distressing it can be to experience dental problems late at night, on a bank holiday, or over the weekend when most clinics are shut. That's why our 24-hour emergency dentist service runs day and night — because emergencies don't wait for Monday.

We don't just offer treatment — we offer reassurance when people need it most.

Final Thoughts

This story had a good ending because the patient reached out when things became unmanageable. But had they called two days earlier, it might have been a much simpler fix.

So if you ever find yourself debating whether that toothache can wait… remember this story. And remember — we're always here if you need us.