Severe toothache
Throbbing pain that keeps you up is usually infection or nerve exposure.
Reviewed by a licensed dentist
Dental Emergencies: What To Do Right Now
Fifteen dentist-reviewed guides. Each one tells you whether it is an emergency, what to do tonight, and what the dentist will do tomorrow.
1-855-219-4656 Is my dental problem an emergency?
Severe pain, swelling, bleeding that will not stop, a knocked-out or broken tooth, and any injury to the jaw are emergencies that need a dentist the same day. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, go to the ER first. For everything else, call 1-855-219-4656 and we book you in today.
Tooth abscess
Swelling, a bad taste or fever means the infection needs draining today.
Cracked tooth
A crack that hurts on biting can split the tooth if it is not treated.
Knocked-out tooth
You have about an hour to re-implant it. Keep it in milk and call now.
Lost crown
Not always urgent, but exposed dentin hurts and decays fast.
Broken braces or wire
Cover the wire with wax to stop it cutting your cheek, then get it clipped.
Bleeding that will not stop
Bite firm gauze for 20 minutes. If it continues, this is urgent.
Wisdom tooth pain
Impacted or infected wisdom teeth often need same-day removal.
Chipped tooth
Save the piece, cover sharp edges with wax, and get it bonded.
Lost filling
An open cavity is sensitive and traps food. Temporary cement helps until you are seen.
Jaw pain or injury
A jaw that will not close or clicks painfully after a blow needs urgent assessment.
Swollen face from tooth infection
Facial swelling means infection is spreading. Same-day care, or the ER if it reaches the eye or throat.
Dry socket
Severe pain a few days after an extraction usually means the clot was lost.
Object stuck between teeth
Floss gently. Never use pins or sharp tools. A dentist can remove it safely.
Dental trauma after an accident
Falls, sports and collisions can loosen, move or break teeth. Prompt care saves them.
Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.
Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed . Sources: ADA MouthHealthy, Dental Emergencies, Mayo Clinic, Toothache first aid. Editorial policy.
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