What To Do in a Dental Emergency

A toothache that won't quit. A chipped tooth from a fall. Swelling in your gums that's getting worse. When dental emergencies happen, you might wonder: Should I go to the emergency room (ER)?

The short answer is no, not if other options are available. Here's what you need to know about getting emergency dental care.

What is a dental emergency?

According to Terry Norris, DMD, leading consulting dentist for HRI Dental & Vision, common dental emergency include:

• Any injury to your mouth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Swelling in your mouth or gums
• Pain that lasts more than two days
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lasts more than a few seconds

But needing emergency care doesn’t mean you should go to the ER.

Why the ER Isn't the Best Choice for Dental Care

ERs are designed to handle serious medical emergencies like heart attacks, broken bones and difficulty breathing. Emergency physicians are experts in medical care, but most hospital ERs don't have the tools or staff to effectively treat teeth and gums.

“If you go to the ER, you may receive antibiotics or pain medications to relieve pain, but that’s only temporary. The dental problem is going to get worse, and at some point, will become a bigger problem to fix,” says Dr. Norris. 

That means your toothache or chipped tooth will likely get worse if left untreated. Eventually, you’ll need to see a licensed dentist. By then, the dental problem may take more time and money to fix.

What To Do When You Have a Dental Emergency

If you have a dental emergency, you may have access to more appropriate, less expensive care options. Here’s what Dr. Norris recommends:

Step 1: Call your regular dentist first.

Your dentist knows your dental history and oral health needs. Many dental practices offer after-hour emergency services or can fit you in quickly for an urgent issue.

If you don’t have a regular dentist, try to find one within your dental plan network. Even if you’re a new patient, they may be able to see you quickly for an emergency dental appointment.

Step 2: Try teledentistry if your dentist isn't available.

If your regular dentist can't see you right away, teledentistry is your next best option. Teledentistry lets you connect with emergency dentists through your phone or computer. A licensed dentist can look at your problem, give you advice and help you decide if you need in-person care right away or if it can wait.

Some dental plans, like HRI Dental & Vision, offer teledentistry as part of their dental services. Check with your plan to see if a similar option is available to you.

Step 3: Go to the ER only as a last resort.

The emergency room should be your last choice for dental emergencies. Use emergency services only if:

• You can't breathe.
• You have uncontrolled bleeding.
• You have severe swelling that affects your ability to swallow.
• You have a high fever along with facial swelling.

These could be signs of a serious infection that needs emergency medical attention.

Step 4: Get follow-up care from your dentist.

Teledentistry and emergency care can help with immediate pain and urgent problems. But they don't replace the tooth extraction, filling or other dental services you may need to fix the problem for good.

Whether you use teledentistry or visit the emergency room, you still need to see a dentist in person for follow-up care.

Without follow-up care from a licensed dentist, your dental problem will come back – often worse than before.

Take Charge of Your Oral Health

“The No. 1 reason that I see patients going to the ER for dental visits is that they do not have a dentist,” Dr. Norris says. 

Having regular dental care means that problems can be addressed as soon as they start. When emergencies do happen, your dentist knows your dental history and individual needs.

Find a primary dentist, schedule regular checkups and don’t wait until you’re in pain to seek dental care. This will reduce your risk of having an emergency dental problem. When you do have an emergency, remember to seek care from your dentist first, teledentistry second, emergency room last.

Your teeth and gums deserve care from dental experts — not just emergency care that provides temporary relief. Taking the right steps will save you time, money and unnecessary pain.