Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nicholas Goetz on September 3, 2026
Toothaches are one of the most common dental complaints, and when pain strikes, the first step is figuring out whether you’re dealing with a true emergency. A helpful way to gauge it: rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10. If it’s above an 8, or if you’re dealing with any of the situations below, it’s time to find an emergency dentist.
- Knocked-out teeth
- A broken tooth
- Losing a filling or a crown
- Bleeding gums
- Abscessed teeth
- Exposed nerves
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Start by calling your dentist. During normal business hours, your dental office may be able to offer a same-day opening, since most practices hold a few slots open for situations like these. If your emergency happens at night or on a weekend, your dentist’s answering service can usually direct you to after-hours care. If you’re able to manage the pain, it’s generally best to avoid the ER, since emergency rooms are typically limited to pain medication rather than the dental treatment itself.
If you don’t already have a trusted dental office to call, ask friends or family for a recommendation, or search online. However you find your emergency dentist, keep the following in mind.
Find a Competent Emergency Dentist
Look for a dental office with a strong reputation for patient care. Check reviews, awards, and professional affiliations, such as membership with the ADA or the Pankey Institute. Reading how other patients describe their experience is one of the quickest ways to build confidence in a practice before you walk in the door.
Look for a Provider Who Can Handle a Range of Procedures
Dental emergencies range from a deep toothache to a root canal or extraction. Make sure the emergency dentist you choose can handle more involved treatment if it turns out you need it, since some situations require more than a quick fix.
Make Sure the Team Is Responsive and Caring
When you’re in pain from a broken tooth or an infection, you want to be treated with patience and reassurance. It’s worth asking around, or checking online reviews, to get a sense of how a practice’s staff treats patients under stress.
Find an Emergency Dentist Near You
Proximity matters in an emergency. The closer the dental office, the sooner you can get relief. And remember, under most circumstances, the emergency room isn’t equipped to treat the underlying dental problem, so a dental office is usually the better first call.
Like what you read? Here are some other articles you’ll probably find useful:
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Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care
Should I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Generally no, unless you’re also dealing with a medical emergency like uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling that affects breathing, or a jaw injury. Most emergency rooms can only offer pain medication for dental issues, not the treatment itself, so an emergency dentist is usually the better first call.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Handle the tooth by the crown, avoid touching the root, and try to keep it moist, either back in the socket if possible, in milk, or in your cheek. Getting to an emergency dentist within an hour gives the tooth the best chance of being saved.
How can I manage pain until I see the dentist?
Over-the-counter pain relievers, a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and rinsing with warm salt water can help take the edge off. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum or tooth, since this can irritate soft tissue.
What counts as a true dental emergency?
Severe pain, knocked-out or badly broken teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or a lost crown or filling that exposes sensitive tooth structure all warrant an emergency visit. Mild, intermittent discomfort can often wait for the next available regular appointment.
About the Author
Prosthodontist, Ocean Breeze Implant & Esthetic Dentistry
Dr. Goetz completed his prosthodontic training at the University of Florida and a maxillofacial prosthodontics fellowship at UCLA. He is one of approximately 150 maxillofacial prosthodontists in the United States.
