A throbbing toothache can feel unbearable—especially when it strikes at night or on a weekend, when most dental offices are closed. In a moment of desperation, many people turn to the emergency room for help. But one of the most common questions we hear is: Can the ER pull a tooth?
The short answer: no, emergency rooms generally do not perform tooth extractions or other dental procedures. However, the ER still plays an important role when you’re dealing with severe symptoms that may indicate a dental emergency.
In this comprehensive guide from Asctorino, we’ll break down what the ER can and cannot do for tooth problems, when it’s appropriate to seek emergency care, and what affordable dental alternatives are available if you’re in pain and need help fast.
What the ER Can Do for Dental Pain
Emergency rooms are equipped to treat medical emergencies, not dental conditions. Doctors and nurses in the ER are not trained or licensed to practice dentistry. Their goal is to relieve pain, control infection, and stabilize the patient until they can see a dentist.
The ER Can:
Manage pain: You may be given prescription pain medication or anti-inflammatory drugs to provide temporary relief.
Prescribe antibiotics: If you have a dental infection or abscess, the ER can prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading.
Treat swelling or fever: If your dental condition has caused systemic symptoms such as facial swelling or a high fever, the ER will help stabilize your condition.
Refer you to a dentist: They may provide a referral or a list of local dental providers who offer emergency services.
The ER Cannot:
Extract a tooth: Tooth removal requires dental tools, anesthesia, and proper training. These are not available in most emergency departments.
Fill cavities or repair teeth: The ER cannot perform fillings, crowns, or other restorative dental treatments.
Replace lost crowns or broken dental appliances: These services require a dental provider with specific materials and training.
At Asctorino, we encourage patients to understand the limitations of emergency care and seek dental professionals for definitive solutions.
When Should You Go to the ER for a Tooth Problem?
Although the ER can’t fix your tooth, there are times when medical intervention is necessary—especially if symptoms go beyond the mouth and involve other areas of your body.
Go to the ER If You Experience:
Severe facial swelling that affects your ability to breathe, speak, or swallow
High fever (above 101°F) combined with tooth pain, indicating a possible spreading infection
Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth that doesn’t stop after applying pressure
Jaw trauma or facial injury from an accident or fall
Signs of systemic infection, such as rapid heart rate, nausea, or confusion
These situations may be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Once stabilized, you’ll still need to follow up with a dental provider to address the underlying issue.
What Happens During an ER Visit for a Toothache?
If you visit the emergency room with a dental concern, the team will evaluate your condition just like they would with any other medical issue.
Typical Steps Include:
Assessment: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, including the location and intensity of the pain.
Imaging: X-rays or a CT scan may be ordered to check for abscesses, fractures, or bone involvement.
Medication: You may receive antibiotics for an infection or pain medications to manage discomfort.
Discharge Plan: You’ll be given follow-up instructions and referred to a dentist for tooth removal or treatment.
While the ER provides essential short-term care, it is not a substitute for a dentist. Most patients leave with medication and are advised to see a dental professional as soon as possible.
Why Can’t the ER Pull Teeth?
Tooth extractions, while common, are dental procedures that require specific tools, anesthesia, sterilization, and dental expertise. ER physicians are trained in emergency medicine, not dentistry.
Additionally:
Liability laws often prohibit medical doctors from performing dental procedures.
Hospitals lack dental equipment, including dental chairs, instruments, and suction devices used in extractions.
Sterile protocols for surgical extractions differ from those used in general medicine.
ERs are meant to stabilize—not solve—dental issues. This is why the ER should be viewed as a temporary option in urgent medical situations, not a place for routine or emergency tooth removal.
What to Do If You Need a Tooth Pulled and Can’t Afford It
We understand that for many patients, cost is a major barrier to receiving timely dental care. If you’re dealing with a bad tooth and can’t afford a dentist, consider these low-cost or free alternatives.
Community Health Clinics
Federally funded community health centers often have dental departments that provide tooth extractions and other services on a sliding scale based on your income.
Check with your local health department or visit findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov to locate one near you.
Dental Schools
Many dental schools offer low-cost services, including extractions, performed by students under the supervision of licensed dentists.
These services are often:
High-quality
Affordable
Available for a range of procedures including surgical extractions
Charitable Dental Programs
Look into nonprofit organizations that provide free or low-cost care during outreach events:
Mission of Mercy dental clinics
Remote Area Medical (RAM)
Dental Lifeline Network
Local church missions or nonprofit health fairs
At Asctorino, we encourage patients to explore these options and plan ahead whenever possible.
Urgent Care Dental Clinics
Some dental clinics specialize in emergency appointments and offer same-day extractions. Many provide financing plans or discounted rates for patients without insurance.
Ask about:
Payment plans
Credit-based dental financing (CareCredit, LendingClub)
In-house discount plans for uninsured patients
Medicaid and State Insurance
In some states, Medicaid covers emergency dental services, including extractions for adults. Eligibility and coverage vary by state, so be sure to check your local Medicaid guidelines.
Temporary Pain Relief Until You Can See a Dentist
While waiting for an appointment, you can take steps to reduce discomfort and prevent complications.
Short-Term Relief Options:
Saltwater rinse: Reduces inflammation and kills bacteria
Cold compress: Apply to the outside of your cheek to numb pain and reduce swelling
Over-the-counter pain medications: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage moderate to severe pain
Clove oil: A natural numbing agent applied to the gums for temporary relief
Hydration: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary or acidic beverages
These home remedies do not replace professional treatment but can help manage symptoms until care is available.
FAQs
1. Can the ER remove a tooth if it’s infected?
No. The ER can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and manage pain, but they cannot extract the tooth. You’ll still need to see a dentist for removal.
2. What can I expect to pay for an ER visit for a tooth problem?
ER visits for dental pain typically cost $400 to $1,500+, depending on tests, medications, and insurance coverage. And remember, you’ll still need to pay for a dentist afterward.
3. Where can I get a tooth pulled for free or cheap?
Check with dental schools, community health centers, and free dental clinic events. Some private dental offices also offer discounts or payment plans for emergency procedures.
4. Should I go to urgent care instead of the ER?
Urgent care may be able to prescribe antibiotics and pain relief, but they cannot perform extractions. A dentist remains the best option for resolving tooth problems.
5. What happens if I don’t treat an infected or broken tooth?
Delaying treatment can lead to:
Abscess formation
Bone loss
Infection spreading to other areas of the body
Life-threatening complications
Seek treatment as soon as possible—even if it’s just for a temporary solution while waiting for extraction.
6. Can dental infections go away with antibiotics alone?
No. Antibiotics may suppress symptoms temporarily, but they won’t fix the source of the infection (decay or damage). The infection is likely to return unless the tooth is treated or removed.
Final Thoughts
So, can the ER pull a tooth? No—but they can help stabilize serious symptoms while you find appropriate dental care. The emergency room is not a substitute for a dentist, but it’s an essential lifeline when you’re facing life-threatening swelling, pain, or infection.
At Asctorino, we believe that education and access are the keys to better oral health. If you’re in pain and unsure where to turn, know that resources are out there—from dental schools and sliding-scale clinics to emergency dentists and charitable organizations.
Tooth pain may feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. With the right information and a little resourcefulness, affordable relief is within reach—and your health is worth the effort.