A dental emergency is any problem with your teeth or gums that needs care within hours, not weeks: severe pain, a knocked-out or broken tooth, swelling, or bleeding that won't stop. Stay calm, follow the first-aid steps below and call a dentist right away. If you have facial swelling that is spreading, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER or call 911 first.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Some dental problems can wait a few days. Others can't. Call your dentist the same day if you have:
- Severe or throbbing tooth pain that keeps you up at night
- A tooth that was knocked out, pushed out of place, or is very loose after an injury
- A tooth that is cracked or broken, especially if it hurts or the break is large
- Swelling in your gums, face or jaw, or a pimple-like bump on the gum (a sign of an abscess, which is a pocket of infection)
- Bleeding from the mouth that won't stop with pressure
- A lost filling or crown that leaves a painful or sharp tooth
A small chip with no pain, mild sensitivity, or a lost filling that doesn't hurt can usually wait a day or two. Still call so your dentist can decide how soon you should be seen.
First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies
Here's what to do in the first few minutes while you arrange to see a dentist:
| Situation | What to do right now |
|---|---|
| Toothache | Rinse with warm water and gently floss to remove any trapped food. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label. Use a cold pack on the cheek. Don't put aspirin on the gum. |
| Chipped or broken tooth | Rinse with warm water. Save any pieces in milk or a clean container. Use a cold pack for swelling. Cover a sharp edge with sugar-free gum or dental wax. |
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse briefly if dirty. Gently put it back in the socket, or keep it in milk or inside your cheek. See a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. |
| Lost filling or crown | Keep the crown in a clean bag. Cover the tooth with dental cement or sugar-free gum from the pharmacy. Chew on the other side. Never use household glue. |
| Abscess or swelling | Rinse with warm salt water several times a day. Use a cold pack on the outside of the cheek. Call your dentist the same day. Spreading swelling or fever means the ER. |
| Object stuck between teeth | Gently use floss to remove it. Don't use pins, knives or other sharp tools, which can cut the gums. |
| Cut lip, tongue or cheek | Rinse gently. Press clean gauze or a cloth on the cut for 10 to 15 minutes. Use a cold pack for swelling. Go to the ER if bleeding won't stop. |
Put your dentist's number in your phone now, and keep a small kit at home with gauze, a cold pack, pain relievers and a small container with a lid. You'll be glad you did.
Dental Emergency Right Now? Call (916) 929-3737. We hold time for same-day emergencies and will tell you what to do while you're on your way.
When to Go to the ER Instead
Some situations are medical emergencies, not just dental ones. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Facial swelling that is spreading, especially toward your eye, neck or under your jaw
- A fever along with tooth pain or swelling
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- A possible broken jaw: you can't open or close your mouth normally, or your bite suddenly doesn't fit together
- Bleeding that won't stop after 15 to 20 minutes of firm pressure
- A head injury, especially with dizziness, confusion or loss of consciousness
The ER will treat the urgent problem, such as a spreading infection or a fracture. Then follow up with a dentist as soon as possible to treat the tooth itself.
Specific Guides for Common Emergencies
If you're dealing with a broken or knocked-out tooth, our step-by-step guide to a chipped or knocked-out tooth covers what to do in more detail. For pain without an injury, see toothache relief. Sometimes the cause of a bad toothache is an infected nerve, which may need a root canal to save the tooth.
Same-Day Emergency Care in Sacramento
Fulton Family Dental offers same-day emergency appointments at our office at 1630 Fulton Ave in Arden-Arcade. Call (916) 929-3737 as early in the day as you can, and we'll tell you what to do while you head in.
Emergency visits start with a $125 emergency exam and X-rays. Dr. Kathiriya will explain what's going on, and you'll get written pricing before any treatment begins. We are in-network with all Delta Dental plans and welcome virtually every PPO plan. Learn more about our emergency dentist services.
| Day | Office hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Thursday | 9:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Friday | 9:00 am to 2:00 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I go to the ER for a toothache?
Usually not. Most ERs can treat pain and infection but can't fix the tooth, so a dentist is the right first stop. Go to the ER if a toothache comes with spreading facial swelling, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
Is a broken tooth an emergency?
A broken tooth that hurts, bleeds, or has a large piece missing should be seen the same day. A tiny chip with no pain can usually wait a day or two. Either way, call so your dentist can decide how soon you need to come in.
How much does an emergency dental visit cost?
At Fulton Family Dental, emergency visits start with a $125 emergency exam and X-rays. Any treatment you need is priced in writing before we begin. Many PPO plans help pay for emergency exams and treatment.
What can I do for tooth pain at night?
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed on the label, use a cold pack on your cheek, and sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow. Avoid very hot, cold or sweet foods. Call your dentist first thing in the morning, or go to the ER if swelling spreads or you get a fever.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every mouth is different. For advice about your own teeth, please schedule a visit or call (916) 929-3737.