Tooth pain can feel unbearable—sharp, throbbing, and impossible to ignore. But when dental offices are closed and the pain hits unexpectedly, many people ask the same question: Should I go to the ER for a tooth problem? And if so, what can the ER actually do for a tooth?
At Asctorino, we help patients understand the difference between true dental emergencies and routine dental concerns. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain when it’s appropriate to visit the emergency room for a dental issue, what services the ER can and can’t provide, and what steps you should take for proper follow-up care.
Whether you’re dealing with a sudden infection, trauma, or severe swelling, knowing when and how to seek emergency medical help could save your tooth—and your health.
When Should You Go to the ER for a Tooth Problem?
While most dental issues are best treated by a dentist, there are certain situations where the emergency room may be your safest or only option—especially if your symptoms involve more than just your teeth.
1. Severe Facial Swelling
If swelling spreads to your jaw, cheek, or neck and is making it hard to breathe or swallow, you should go to the ER immediately. This could be a sign of a spreading infection, such as a dental abscess, which can become life-threatening if it reaches the bloodstream or airway.
2. Uncontrolled Bleeding
If you have persistent or heavy bleeding from your mouth following trauma, surgery, or a dental procedure, and it doesn’t stop after applying pressure for 15–20 minutes, go to the ER. This may require immediate medical intervention.
3. High Fever with Dental Pain
A high fever (above 101°F) accompanied by tooth pain, fatigue, or swelling could indicate a serious oral infection that has begun to affect your overall health. This may require antibiotics and urgent care to stop the infection from spreading.
4. Facial Trauma or Suspected Broken Jaw
In the case of accidents, falls, or sports injuries that cause facial trauma, tooth loss, or jaw misalignment, go to the ER. Emergency departments are equipped to evaluate facial bones, stop bleeding, and stabilize injuries.
5. Inability to Open Mouth or Severe Jaw Pain
Sudden inability to open your mouth (trismus), combined with pain or swelling, may signal a deep space infection or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. ER evaluation may be needed to rule out severe causes.
At Asctorino, we advise patients not to delay in these situations. Prompt medical care is crucial for preventing complications and ensuring your safety.
What the ER Can and Cannot Do for Tooth Problems
Understanding the capabilities of emergency rooms is essential for knowing what to expect. ER doctors are trained to handle medical emergencies—but they are not dentists.
What the ER Can Do:
Treat infections: Provide IV or oral antibiotics to stop the spread of a dental infection.
Manage pain: Administer pain relief medication to reduce severe dental discomfort.
Stop bleeding: Control oral bleeding with medical supplies and pressure.
Address facial injuries: Treat soft tissue wounds, facial trauma, and suspected fractures.
Order diagnostic imaging: Use X-rays or CT scans to evaluate jaw damage or infection spread.
Stabilize the patient: In life-threatening cases, they can admit you for monitoring or refer to specialists.
What the ER Cannot Do:
Perform dental procedures: ER staff cannot extract teeth, place fillings, or perform root canals.
Fix broken or lost crowns, bridges, or fillings.
Provide permanent dental solutions: The ER only offers temporary relief. You’ll still need to see a dentist for definitive treatment.
Replace knocked-out teeth: They may preserve the tooth but are not equipped to reinsert or restore it properly.
Asctorino always recommends following up with a licensed dentist as soon as possible after any ER visit for tooth-related problems.
What to Expect During an ER Visit for Tooth Pain
If you go to the emergency room for a dental concern, the medical team will first assess the severity of your condition. Here’s what you can typically expect:
1. Medical Evaluation
A nurse or doctor will ask about your symptoms, including pain level, duration, and history. If infection is suspected, they may check your temperature and examine your mouth, neck, and jaw.
2. Imaging and Diagnosis
X-rays or a CT scan may be ordered to rule out fractures, abscesses, or spread of infection. This step helps determine if your case is urgent or if you can be discharged with medication and a dental referral.
3. Pain and Infection Management
If your pain is severe, the ER may provide local anesthetic, prescription-strength pain relievers, or anti-inflammatory medications. If infection is present, you’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to control it until you can see a dentist.
4. Discharge and Follow-Up
You’ll be given discharge instructions that may include:
A prescription for pain or infection
Advice on avoiding chewing on the affected side
A referral to a local dentist or oral surgeon
Instructions for follow-up within 24–48 hours
The ER’s role is to stabilize—not resolve—the problem. Ongoing care must be handled by a dental professional.
When Should You See a Dentist Instead of the ER?
For most non-life-threatening dental issues, it’s better to see a dentist as soon as possible. Dentists are equipped to diagnose and treat the root cause of oral problems—something the ER cannot do.
You should call a dentist (rather than go to the ER) if you have:
A toothache that’s uncomfortable but manageable
A cracked or chipped tooth without major pain or bleeding
A lost crown or filling
Mild gum swelling or irritation
General tooth sensitivity
A knocked-out tooth (during dental office hours)
Asctorino can help connect patients with emergency dental providers who are equipped to offer same-day care, often at a lower cost than an ER visit.
Can Urgent Care Centers Treat Dental Problems?
Some people consider going to an urgent care clinic instead of the ER. While urgent care is less expensive and faster than an emergency room, their ability to treat dental issues is very limited.
Most urgent care centers can:
Provide antibiotics for infection
Prescribe pain medication
Offer basic evaluations for facial swelling
But like the ER, they cannot perform dental procedures. For true dental emergencies, a dentist is still the best option.
Cost Comparison: ER vs. Emergency Dentist
Visiting the ER for a dental problem can be significantly more expensive than seeing a dentist—especially if imaging or IV medications are involved.
| Service | ER Visit | Emergency Dentist Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Toothache treatment | $400 – $1,000+ | $100 – $400 |
| Abscess evaluation and meds | $600 – $1,500+ | $150 – $500 |
| Facial trauma (minor) | $1,000 – $2,500+ | Referred to ER |
| Dental extraction | Not available | $150 – $500 |
Even with insurance, out-of-pocket costs can be much higher at the hospital. That’s why Asctorino advises patients to reserve ER visits for true medical emergencies and rely on emergency dentists whenever possible.
FAQs
1. Can the ER pull a tooth?
No. Emergency rooms are not equipped or staffed to perform dental extractions. They can treat pain and infection but will refer you to a dentist for the actual procedure.
2. Will the ER treat a tooth infection?
Yes, the ER can provide antibiotics and pain relief for a dental abscess or infection. However, follow-up with a dentist is essential to remove the infection source.
3. Should I go to the ER for a bad toothache?
Only if the pain is severe, accompanied by fever or swelling, or interferes with breathing or swallowing. Otherwise, call an emergency dentist.
4. Can the ER help with a broken tooth?
They can manage pain and stabilize the area but cannot repair the tooth. A dentist will be needed for permanent treatment.
5. Will insurance cover ER visits for dental issues?
Medical insurance may cover ER visits if the issue is considered a true emergency. Dental insurance typically does not apply in hospital settings.
6. Is urgent care better than the ER for tooth pain?
Urgent care may be a faster and cheaper option for minor infections or pain, but neither urgent care nor ERs can perform dental work. A dentist is still the best choice.
Final Thoughts
So, what can the ER do for a tooth? In short, they can manage pain, treat infections, and stabilize serious symptoms—but they cannot fix the dental issue itself. While the emergency room can be life-saving in cases involving swelling, trauma, or fever, it’s not a replacement for a visit to the dentist.
At Asctorino, we help patients navigate dental emergencies with clarity and confidence. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or trauma related to your teeth, know when to go to the ER—and when to call your dentist.
Being informed can save your tooth, your health, and your wallet. Always err on the side of caution, and seek professional help when symptoms feel serious. With the right guidance, you’ll get the care you need—exactly when you need it.