Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain?

Tooth pain can be excruciating, and if it lingers, it shouldn’t be overlooked. Dentists are typically the best option for diagnosing and treating the cause of your tooth pain, as they are usually more prepared to handle dental emergencies than an emergency room or urgent care clinic. 

However, there are dental situations where visiting the ER might be necessary, especially if an accident has occurred, resulting in other injuries that need immediate medical care. 

Here’s what you should know about assessing symptoms and can you go to the ER for tooth pain. 

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency requires immediate dental care to address severe pain, injury, or infection that could impact your overall health or lead to further complications if not treated quickly.

Ideally, these issues should be addressed by your dentist first. They have access to your dental records and medical history and are more likely to understand the context of your pain.

Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain or Not?

The simple answer to “Can you to the ER for tooth pain?” is to trust how you feel. 

If you’re experiencing unbearable tooth pain that you can’t tolerate any longer, or if you have persistent, heavy bleeding in your mouth that won’t stop, it might be time to go to the emergency room. 

There’s no definitive rule for when an ER visit is necessary—each situation and individual is unique. It’s crucial to pay attention to your body’s signals and make the decision that feels right for you.

Dental emergencies are best handled by your personal dentist. However, if it’s a weekend, holiday, or a time when your dentist isn’t available on short notice, you can visit the ER to assist with severe dental issues that cannot wait. 

When Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain?

Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain with Uncontrollable Bleeding?

Yes, tooth pain accompanied by excessive bleeding could signify a more severe underlying issue that requires prompt care. Whether it’s due to a recent dental procedure or an injury, uncontrollable bleeding can lead to serious complications. 

Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain with Signs of a Spreading Infection?

In cases where there are signs of a spreading infection, the answer is definitely yes.

Swelling in the face or neck is a red flag that an infection is spreading. Dental infections can quickly escalate and spread to other parts of the body, potentially becoming life-threatening if not treated immediately. If you notice significant swelling, particularly if it’s affecting your ability to open your mouth or move your neck, it’s crucial to go to the ER as soon as possible. 

Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain Along with High Fever?

A high fever combined with tooth pain often indicates a severe infection. Fevers are a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, and when linked with dental pain, it could mean that the infection has reached a dangerous level. Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent further complications.

Can You Go to the ER for Tooth Pain if You Have Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing?

If your tooth pain is accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing, this could indicate that the infection or swelling has spread to a critical area, such as your airway. This is a medical emergency, and you should head to the ER immediately. Difficulty breathing or swallowing is a serious condition that should never be ignored, as it could quickly become life-threatening.

What to Expect at the ER

The doctor will begin by taking your medical history and conducting a standard examination. Based on what they suspect is causing the dental pain, they may recommend a particular treatment.

• For swelling or infection, they might prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or antibiotics. 
• If you have a broken tooth or have suffered orofacial trauma, the doctor may provide pain relief and further refer you to a specialist if needed. 
• In cases of severe tooth pain, over-the-counter painkillers may not be effective. After identifying the cause, the doctor might prescribe stronger medication to manage the pain temporarily until your dentist can create a proper treatment plan.
• For mouth sores or other dental issues, treatment will vary depending on the what the root cause of the pain is.

When Can a Tooth Pain Be Addressed By Your Dentist?

There may be situations that aren’t emergencies or life-threatening but may still need prompt attention from your regular dentist within the next few days, such as:

• Mild dental pain as the only symptom
• Pain occurring less than 24 hours after a dental procedure, like a tooth extraction
• A broken or chipped tooth

While you do not need to go to the ER for tooth pain in the above scenarios, you must make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid any further problems. 

Dental emergencies can be alarming, so it’s best to consult your dentist if you’re unsure. If they’re unavailable, visit your local emergency room to get advice on whether a visit is necessary.

How to Manage Tooth Pain at Home Until You Get to the ER

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation and cleanse the area.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the painful area to numb the pain and reduce swelling.
• Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage the pain temporarily. 
• Keep your head elevated, even while sleeping, to reduce blood pressure in your head. 
• Refrain from consuming very hot or cold foods and drinks, as they can aggravate the tooth pain.
• To prevent worsening the pain, try not to chew on the side of your mouth where the pain is located.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
• Avoid sugary drinks, as they can irritate the tooth further.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the answer to “Can you go to the ER for tooth pain?” depends on how you feel. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, take pain relievers and assess your pain level on a scale from one to 10.

If you decide an ER visit isn’t necessary but still want prompt attention, seek out after-hours emergency dental services. Keep in mind that not all dentists offer this service, so it’s a good idea to find an emergency dentist in advance.

To reduce the risk of future tooth pain, schedule your next check-up with the experienced dentists at Baker Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for Clearwater.

FAQs

When should you consider going to the ER for tooth pain?

Consider going to the ER if the tooth pain is extreme, persists despite pain relievers, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or trouble swallowing. 

Will the ER treat all types of tooth pain?

The ER may not address all types of tooth pain comprehensively, as their focus is on managing severe symptoms and stabilizing your condition. For ongoing dental care and treatment, follow up with your regular dentist as soon as possible.