For many tooth-specific emergencies, a dentist is the right first call. A hospital emergency department is more appropriate when the problem is potentially life-threatening or involves major facial trauma.
Call a dentist
- Severe toothache.
- Broken or cracked tooth.
- Knocked-out tooth.
- Lost crown or filling with pain.
- Localized dental swelling that is not compromising breathing or swallowing.
Call 911 / go to the ER
- Trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Uncontrolled bleeding.
- Suspected jaw fracture or major facial trauma.
- Loss of consciousness or other medical emergency.
General emergency guidance on this site is informed by patient education from the American Dental Association's MouthHealthy program and the American Association of Endodontists. It is educational and does not replace an examination by a dentist.