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Imaging and consent
A panoramic or 3D X-ray shows roots, nerves and the extent of infection or fracture. The surgeon explains the plan, the risks and the sedation options.
Same-day oral surgery referrals
Emergency Oral Surgery: Same-Day Oral Surgeons for Serious Problems
Some dental emergencies are beyond what a general dentist handles in the chair. Broken roots, deeply impacted teeth, spreading infections and jaw injuries go to an oral surgeon, and we can get you to one today.
1-855-219-4656 Can I see an oral surgeon today?
In most areas, yes. Call 1-855-219-4656 and we refer you to a partner oral surgeon or a dentist with surgical training who reserves same-day slots for emergencies. Surgical extractions and impacted wisdom teeth are done under local anesthetic with sedation if you want it, in 45 to 90 minutes. Costs run about $250 to $900 without insurance depending on the procedure. Severe swelling that affects breathing or swallowing should go to the emergency room first, and we arrange the surgical follow-up.
Being told you need an oral surgeon sounds alarming, but in practice it usually means a procedure that takes an hour in an office chair with better sedation options than a general dentist can offer. The referral is about matching the problem to the right training, not about how serious the outcome will be.
Problems that need an oral surgeon
- A tooth that broke off at the gum line or a root that fractured during an extraction
- Deeply impacted wisdom teeth, especially close to the nerve in the lower jaw
- An abscess that has spread into the cheek, jaw or neck and needs surgical drainage
- A suspected jaw fracture or a dislocated jaw after an accident
- Teeth that need removal in a patient with a complex medical history or on blood thinners
General dentists handle most emergencies. Your referral goes to a surgeon only when the case calls for it. For jaw injuries, see jaw pain and injury, and for spreading infection see facial swelling.
What to expect at an emergency oral surgery visit
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Anesthesia
Local anesthetic is always used. Nitrous, oral or IV sedation is added for anxious patients or longer procedures, with monitoring throughout.
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Surgery and closure
The gum is opened, bone is removed where needed, and the tooth or infection is dealt with. Dissolving stitches close the site and you rest until alert.
Cost of emergency oral surgery
| Type | Without insurance | With insurance (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency exam + X-ray | $100–$250 | $0–$50 |
| Surgical extraction (broken tooth or root) | $250–$700 | $80–$350 |
| Impacted wisdom tooth, per tooth | $300–$900 | $100–$450 |
| Surgical drainage of an abscess with antibiotics | $200–$500 | $50–$200 |
| Nitrous, oral or IV sedation | $50–$300 | Usually not covered |
Estimates from partner clinic fee schedules. Your dentist quotes the exact fee before treatment. National ranges from partner clinics; city pages show local figures. Hospital-based surgery for jaw fractures is billed by the hospital and may fall under medical insurance rather than dental. Check the dental cost guide for office-based figures. See the emergency dental cost guide.
Recovery after oral surgery
- Bite on gauze for 30 to 45 minutes, then rest with your head raised for the remainder of the day.
- Use ice packs on the face for 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to limit swelling and bruising.
- Take antibiotics and pain relief exactly as prescribed. Start pain relief before the anesthetic wears off.
- Soft, cool foods for several days. No smoking, straws or vigorous rinsing for 72 hours.
- Call the surgeon if bleeding will not stop, swelling grows after day three, or you notice numbness that has not faded by the next day.
Find same-day emergency oral surgery in your city
- Washington, DC
- Houston, TX
- New York, NY
- El Paso, TX
- Dallas, TX
- Sacramento, CA
- Miami, FL
- Los Angeles, CA
- All states
Related services and guides
- Emergency tooth extraction
- Wisdom tooth removal
- Abscess drainage and antibiotics
- Sedation for anxious patients
Related emergency guides: Jaw pain or injury, Dental trauma after an accident, Swollen face from tooth infection.
Emergency Oral Surgery FAQ
Need help right now? Call 1-855-219-4656, free, 24 hours a day.
What is the difference between a dentist and an oral surgeon?
An oral surgeon completes several extra years of hospital-based training after dental school, covering complex extractions, jaw surgery, facial trauma and deep sedation. General dentists refer cases that need those skills.
Will I be put to sleep for oral surgery?
Only if you choose to and are medically suitable. Many surgical extractions are done with local anesthetic alone. IV sedation is available for anxious patients and longer procedures.
Can a broken jaw be treated the same day?
A dislocated jaw is often relocated in the office the same day. A fractured jaw is assessed and stabilized, then treated in hospital, sometimes within a day or two depending on the break.
How much does emergency oral surgery cost?
Office-based procedures run $250 to $900 without insurance, plus the exam and any sedation. Dental insurance usually covers part of a surgical extraction, and medical insurance may cover trauma care.
How long does recovery take?
Two to three days of swelling and soreness for most extractions, with a return to normal eating within a week. Jaw injuries and large infections take longer and are followed up closely.
Medically reviewed by Dr. FULL NAME, DDS. Last reviewed . Sources: ADA MouthHealthy, Extractions, NIH National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Editorial policy.
Need emergency oral surgery today?
Free helpline, open 24/7. We find a dentist who can treat you today.
Call 1-855-219-4656