Call 911 or go to the ER if…
- you have swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, or spreads to your eye or neck;
- you have a high fever with facial swelling;
- you have uncontrolled bleeding or a jaw injury after an accident.
These can be signs of a serious infection or injury that needs hospital care.
Common dental emergencies
- Knocked-out adult tooth: hold it by the crown, rinse gently, try to put it back in the socket or keep it in milk, and see a dentist immediately. Time matters.
- Broken tooth: rinse, apply a cold compress and save any pieces.
- Severe toothache or abscess: see a dentist the same day; do not put aspirin on the gum.
- Lost filling or crown: keep the crown and book a prompt appointment.
Finding same-day dental care
Call your regular dentist first: many keep emergency slots or have an out-of-hours line. Otherwise look for emergency dental clinics, dental school urgent care clinics or community health centers. Urgent care centers can assess pain and infection but usually cannot treat teeth. See urgent care vs the ER.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
