When you’re dealing with intense tooth pain and swelling, it can be hard to know where to turn—especially if it’s outside normal office hours. Many people facing a dental emergency ask a critical question: Will they pull an infected tooth in the ER?
The simple answer is no—the emergency room (ER) is not equipped to pull teeth, even if they are infected. However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Understanding what the ER can do, what they cannot, and where to go next is essential for finding fast relief and long-term care.
At Asctorino, we’re here to help you make informed decisions in moments of dental crisis. This article covers everything you need to know about infected teeth, ER protocols, and the best steps to take if you’re in pain and need help right away.
What Is an Infected Tooth?
A tooth infection, also known as a dental abscess, occurs when bacteria enter the tooth through decay, a crack, or gum disease and spread into the soft tissue inside or around the tooth.
Common symptoms of an infected tooth include:
Throbbing, sharp, or constant pain
Swelling in the gums, jaw, or face
Bad taste or odor in the mouth
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Fever or chills
Pus or discharge around the tooth or gums
If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to more serious issues—including the spread of infection to the jaw, sinuses, or even bloodstream.
At Asctorino, we stress the importance of early treatment for infections to prevent serious complications and protect your health.
Will the ER Pull an Infected Tooth?
No. Emergency rooms do not perform dental procedures, including extractions—whether the tooth is infected or not. ER doctors are trained in medical emergencies, not dental care. They don’t have the necessary tools, training, or licensure to pull a tooth.
Here’s what the ER can do:
Prescribe antibiotics to control the infection
Provide pain medication to manage discomfort
Evaluate facial swelling or infection spread
Refer you to a dentist or oral surgeon for extraction
While antibiotics can reduce the infection temporarily, they will not eliminate the source of the problem. The infected tooth must still be treated or removed by a dental professional.
Why Can’t the ER Perform Dental Extractions?
There are a few key reasons:
Lack of specialized dental equipment: ERs do not have dental tools, surgical handpieces, or appropriate dental chairs.
No dental training: Physicians in emergency departments are not trained or licensed to perform extractions.
Legal limitations: Most hospitals are prohibited from performing procedures outside of the physician’s scope of practice.
Risk of complications: Pulling an infected tooth without proper equipment and follow-up care can lead to further infection, bleeding, or nerve damage.
This is why the ER should be your last resort—only if your symptoms are life-threatening or no dental care is available immediately.
When Should You Go to the ER for a Tooth Infection?
Although the ER can’t treat the infection at its source, it is still necessary in extreme situations.
Seek immediate medical attention if:
You are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing
There is severe swelling in your face, neck, or under your jaw
You have a high fever that won’t break
You are feeling dizzy, weak, or confused (possible signs of infection spreading)
Your pain is unbearable and unrelieved by medication
These are signs that the infection may have spread beyond the tooth and requires immediate intervention. In these cases, the ER can administer IV antibiotics and ensure you’re stabilized before referring you to a dentist.
What to Do Instead of Going to the ER
If your condition is not life-threatening, your best option is to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will evaluate your condition and recommend the appropriate course of action—typically root canal therapy or tooth extraction, depending on how severe the infection is.
Affordable Alternatives to the ER:
1. Emergency Dental Clinics
Many dental offices offer same-day emergency appointments specifically for patients with infections, pain, or trauma. Some even offer extended hours or weekend care.
2. Dental Schools
Dental schools provide care at reduced rates, including treatment for infections and extractions, all under the supervision of licensed professionals.
3. Community Health Clinics
Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and nonprofit clinics provide low-cost or sliding-scale dental services, including infection treatment and extractions.
4. Medicaid and State Dental Programs
In some states, Medicaid covers emergency dental treatment, including tooth extractions for infected teeth. Contact your state agency to learn about your benefits.
5. Charitable Organizations
Programs such as Mission of Mercy, Remote Area Medical (RAM), and Dental Lifeline Network offer free or discounted dental care during community outreach events.
At Asctorino, we can help you explore these alternatives and connect with emergency dental services in your area.
How Dentists Treat Infected Teeth
The right treatment depends on how far the infection has progressed. Common options include:
Root Canal Therapy
If the infection is confined to the pulp of the tooth, a root canal can remove the infected tissue and save the tooth. This is followed by a filling or crown to restore structure.
Tooth Extraction
If the tooth is too damaged to save or the infection has spread too far, the dentist may recommend extraction. This removes the source of the infection and allows the tissue to heal.
Drainage of Abscess
If a pus-filled abscess is present, the dentist may make a small incision to drain the area before beginning root canal therapy or extraction.
Antibiotics
Infection control may require oral or IV antibiotics, especially if swelling or systemic symptoms are present. But remember—antibiotics alone are not a cure.
Temporary Relief While You Wait for Treatment
While you wait for an appointment or prescription, these tips can help you manage the pain safely:
Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Use cold compresses on the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling
Rinse with warm saltwater to clean the area and reduce bacteria
Avoid hot, cold, sweet, or hard foods that trigger pain
Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce pressure and throbbing
These measures can provide short-term relief but do not treat the infection—you still need to see a dental professional.
FAQs
1. Will the ER drain a dental abscess?
Possibly. In severe cases where swelling threatens your airway, the ER may perform a minor procedure to drain the abscess. However, they will not perform any dental procedures and will still refer you to a dentist.
2. Can I wait a few days to treat an infected tooth?
Delaying treatment can be dangerous. Even if pain temporarily subsides, the infection may still be spreading. Seek care as soon as possible to avoid complications.
3. Can antibiotics cure a tooth infection?
Antibiotics can control and reduce infection temporarily, but they cannot remove the source. Without dental treatment, the infection is likely to return and worsen.
4. What if I can’t afford a dentist?
Explore options like community dental clinics, dental schools, or state-funded programs. Many emergency dental offices offer payment plans or financing options.
5. Is it safe to pull my own tooth at home?
Absolutely not. Attempting to remove a tooth yourself can lead to serious infection, uncontrolled bleeding, or permanent damage. Always seek professional help.
Final Thoughts
While the ER may help in emergencies, they will not pull an infected tooth. Their role is to manage the symptoms and keep you safe, not to treat dental conditions directly. The only permanent solution to an infected tooth is professional dental care.
At Asctorino, we are committed to helping patients access the care they need—whether it’s pain relief, infection management, or full dental treatment. Don’t suffer in silence.
Take steps today to get the care you deserve and protect your smile for the future.