A dental emergency generally involves severe pain, infection, significant bleeding or trauma that needs prompt professional attention. The exact urgency depends on the symptoms and clinical situation.
Problems that often need prompt dental attention
- Severe or persistent tooth pain.
- A knocked-out, displaced, broken or cracked tooth.
- Swelling or signs of dental infection.
- Dental trauma or bleeding after an injury.
Not every urgent problem belongs in an ER
Many tooth-specific problems are best evaluated by a dental professional, while potentially life-threatening symptoms and major facial trauma belong in emergency medical care.
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.