Should You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

When a dental emergency strikes, whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, severe pain, or facial swelling, it can be hard to know where to turn first. Many people wonder, “Should I go to the emergency room (ER) for this?” The short answer is: it depends on the situation. While the ER can help in some cases, many dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, especially one who offers emergency appointments.

Here’s a guide to help you decide when to head to the ER and when to call your dentist instead.

When to Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency

The ER is designed to handle life-threatening conditions, severe trauma, or serious infections that affect your ability to breathe or swallow. While most ERs aren’t equipped to treat dental problems directly (like doing a filling or root canal), they can provide critical first aid or pain relief in certain situations.

Go to the ER if you have:

• Severe facial swelling that spreads to the eye, neck, or throat.
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth or gums.
• High fever and signs of a spreading infection (redness, heat, pus, fatigue).
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Facial trauma from an accident that involves broken bones or deep cuts.

In these situations, time is critical, and the ER can stabilize you and provide antibiotics, imaging, or surgical care if needed.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist Instead

Most dental emergencies are not life-threatening and are best treated by a dentist who has the right tools, training, and materials to fix the underlying problem.

Call your dentist right away if you have:

• A knocked-out tooth (handle it by the crown, rinse gently, and store it in milk if possible).
• A cracked or chipped tooth.
• A painful abscess (a localized infection with swelling, pus, or a bad taste).
• A lost filling or crown.
• Sudden, intense tooth pain.
• A broken denture or dental appliance.

Many dental offices offer same-day emergency appointments, especially if you explain the urgency. Getting care from a dentist means you’ll get a solution, not just temporary relief.

Why You Should Avoid the ER for Routine Dental Problems

ERs typically do not have dentists on staff. While they can prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics, they cannot perform root canals, extractions, or other dental treatments. That means you’ll still need to see a dentist afterwards, often delaying the care you really need.

Additionally, ER visits can be costly and time-consuming, especially if the issue could have been managed more efficiently by your dentist.

Knowing whether to go to the ER or the dentist during a dental emergency can save you time, money, and stress. As a rule of thumb: if it’s life-threatening or affects your ability to breathe, eat, or swallow, go to the ER. For most other dental emergencies, your dentist is the best choice.

About the Practice

Have you experienced a dental emergency and are unsure where to turn? Reach out to us here at West Hartford Dental Group and we’ll guide you every step of the way. We’ll handle your dental emergency with a same-day appointment and advanced technology to free you of pain as soon as possible. Plus, we have multiple dental specialists under one roof to handle your unique issue. Schedule your appointment today online or give one of our conveniently located offices in your area a call.