What to do during a dental emergency depends on the type of injury or symptoms you are experiencing, but the most important step is always the same: act fast and call your dentist right away. A knocked-out tooth, a sudden infection, a cracked molar, or severe pain that will not stop all require quick action to protect your oral health. This article covers the most common dental emergencies, what to do for each one, and when to head to the ER instead.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency
A dental emergency is any oral health problem that requires immediate attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or treat an active infection. Not every toothache qualifies, but certain symptoms should never be ignored.
According to the CDC, there were 2.1 million emergency room visits for dental emergencies in 2017. The ADA reports that dental-related ER visits more than doubled between 2000 and 2012, climbing from 1.1 million to 2.2 million visits per year. Many of these visits could have been handled faster and more effectively at a dental office.
Common situations that qualify include severe or persistent tooth pain, a knocked-out tooth, a cracked or broken tooth, facial swelling caused by infection, uncontrolled bleeding, a lost filling or crown, and an abscess with visible swelling or pus.
Families in Cinnaminson, NJ and throughout Burlington County who experience any of these symptoms should contact a dentist immediately rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
We offer same-day emergency dental appointments whenever possible to get patients out of pain and protect their teeth before the problem gets worse.
Immediate Steps to Take During Any Dental Emergency
The first few minutes after a dental emergency can determine whether a tooth is saved or lost. Staying calm and following the right steps makes a real difference.
Call your dentist first. Describe your symptoms clearly so the team can prepare for your visit and guide you on what to do before you arrive.
While waiting to be seen, rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort temporarily. Do not place aspirin directly on the gums, as this can burn the tissue.
Avoid eating on the injured side. Stay away from hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot and cold foods until you are examined. Keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce throbbing.
Data from IBM Watson's Medicaid Marketscan database shows that about 10% of all dental encounters nationwide are classified as emergencies. Dental offices in South Jersey and across the country see urgent cases regularly and are well-prepared to handle them.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out permanent tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Research shows that teeth reimplanted within 30 minutes have success rates between 85% and 97%. After 60 minutes, the chances of saving the tooth drop significantly.
If an adult tooth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown only. Never touch the root, and do not scrub it or remove any tissue attached to it.
If possible, gently place the tooth back into the socket and hold it with light pressure. If that is not possible, store it in a small container of cold milk. According to the Cleveland Clinic, milk's pH closely matches the conditions inside the mouth, keeping root cells alive long enough for reimplantation.
Do not place the tooth in water. Water damages the periodontal ligament cells on the root and makes successful reimplantation much less likely.
Residents of Cinnaminson, Moorestown, and the surrounding area should get to a dentist within the hour for the best outcome.
Anyone who has experienced dental trauma should schedule a comprehensive dental evaluation to check for damage that may not be visible right away.
What to Do for a Cracked or Broken Tooth
A cracked or broken tooth needs prompt attention, even if the pain feels mild at first. An ADA Health Policy Institute poll found that 63% of dentists reported an increase in cracked and chipped teeth in recent years, with stress-related grinding being a major contributor.
If your tooth cracks or breaks, rinse your mouth with warm water right away. Apply a cold compress to your cheek and avoid chewing on that side until a dentist examines you.
Even a hairline crack can expose the inner layers of the tooth to bacteria. A study in Clinical and Experimental Dental Research found that 70% of patients had at least one posterior tooth with visible cracks. If bacteria reach the pulp, the tooth may need a root canal or extraction to prevent the infection from spreading.
Patients in the Delran, Maple Shade, and Mount Laurel communities who crack a tooth should call a dentist the same day.
When the inner pulp of the tooth is involved, treatment options may include a root canal or extraction depending on the severity of the damage.
What to Do for Severe Tooth Pain or Swelling
Severe tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter medicine, especially when combined with swelling, is a strong sign of infection. A dental abscess forms when bacteria invade the tissue or bone around a tooth, creating a pocket of pus that causes intense throbbing.
According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, abscesses and dental caries accounted for nearly 80% of all dental-related ER visits in 2009. These are largely preventable conditions that a dentist can treat more effectively and at a lower cost than an ER.
The Mayo Clinic states that a tooth abscess will not go away on its own. Even if the abscess ruptures and the pain temporarily improves, the infection is still active. Left untreated, bacteria can spread to the jaw, sinuses, and other areas of the head and neck. In serious cases, it can lead to sepsis.
If you notice swelling in your face, jaw, or gums along with persistent pain, call a dentist immediately. A warm salt water rinse can help temporarily, but it is not a substitute for professional treatment.
Patients in the greater Philadelphia metro area and throughout Burlington County who are experiencing tooth pain that may be an emergency should not wait to see if it gets better on its own.
How to Handle a Lost Filling or Crown
A filling or crown that falls out leaves the underlying tooth exposed and vulnerable. You may notice sharp pain, sensitivity to temperature, or a rough edge that irritates your tongue.
If a crown falls off, keep it safe and bring it to your appointment. Temporary dental cement from a pharmacy can provide short-term protection until you are seen. Avoid chewing on that side and steer clear of sticky or hard foods.
A lost restoration may seem minor, but ignoring it allows bacteria to reach the inner layers of the tooth quickly. This can turn a simple fix into a much more involved procedure.
Our team sees patients from across Cinnaminson and nearby South Jersey communities for urgent dental concerns like these and works to restore the tooth as quickly as possible.
Dental Emergency vs. Emergency Room Visit
One of the most common mistakes during a dental emergency is going to the ER instead of calling a dentist. The ADA reports that ER visits for dental care cost about three times as much as a dentist visit, averaging $749 per visit. Nationwide, this adds up to roughly $1.6 billion in ER spending for dental problems each year.
Emergency rooms cannot perform dental procedures. They prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, but they cannot do fillings, root canals, extractions, or reimplant teeth. Most ER patients with dental problems still need a follow-up dentist visit to fix the actual issue.
A dentist is almost always the right first call. The ER becomes necessary only when the situation involves uncontrolled bleeding, a broken jaw, difficulty breathing, or swelling that blocks the airway.
The table below shows when to see a dentist and when to go to the ER.
| Situation | Call Your Dentist | Go to the ER |
|---|---|---|
| Severe toothache without fever | Yes, same-day appointment | Only if dentist is unavailable |
| Knocked-out tooth | Yes, within 30 to 60 minutes | No, ER cannot reimplant teeth |
| Cracked or broken tooth | Yes, same-day evaluation | No, dentist provides definitive repair |
| Swelling with fever or spreading infection | Call for guidance, then follow up | Yes, if fever is high or swelling is severe |
| Difficulty breathing or swallowing | No, follow up after stabilization | Yes, call 911 immediately |
| Jaw fracture or major facial trauma | No, follow up after stabilization | Yes, go to the ER right away |
| Lost filling or crown | Yes, schedule promptly | No, ER cannot replace restorations |
Sources: American Dental Association Emergency Department Referrals data; Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), 2018.
For a more detailed comparison, understanding when to see an emergency dentist versus going to the ER can save time, money, and unnecessary stress.
How to Reduce Your Risk of a Dental Emergency
Many dental emergencies are preventable with consistent oral care and a few smart habits. The NIDCR reports that about 9 out of 10 adults aged 20 to 64 have experienced tooth decay. The CDC adds that roughly 26% of adults aged 20 to 44 currently have untreated cavities. Untreated decay is one of the most common paths to an abscess, severe pain, and eventually an emergency.
Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with regular checkups are the simplest ways to catch problems before they turn urgent. Wearing a mouthguard during sports protects against knocked-out and broken teeth.
Avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard. The ADA reports that 71% of dentists have seen an increase in teeth grinding and clenching, which directly contributes to cracked teeth.
Patients in the Cinnaminson area who stay current with routine exams, cleanings, and restorative care are far less likely to face a dental emergency. The NIDCR notes that untreated tooth decay cost the U.S. about $45.9 billion in lost productivity in 2015, proving that preventive care saves both health and money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Do if I Have a Dental Emergency and No Dentist?
If you have a dental emergency and no dentist, search for a dental office in your area that accepts emergency or walk-in patients. Many practices, including ours in Cinnaminson, NJ, offer same-day emergency appointments for new patients. The ADA reports that an estimated 2 million people visit the ER each year for dental pain, but a dentist provides faster, more effective, and less expensive care in nearly all cases. If your symptoms include difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a high fever, go to the nearest emergency room first.
South Jersey residents looking for emergency dental care in the Moorestown and Cinnaminson area can reach us at (856) 829-1989.
Will an Emergency Dentist Give Me Antibiotics?
An emergency dentist will give you antibiotics if there is an active bacterial infection, such as an abscess with swelling, fever, or signs of spreading. Antibiotics alone do not cure the underlying problem. They control the infection temporarily so that definitive treatment, like drainage, a root canal, or extraction, can be performed safely.
What Are the Signs of Sepsis from a Tooth Infection?
The signs of sepsis from a tooth infection include a high fever, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion, extreme fatigue, and chills. According to the Sepsis Alliance, a dental infection can lead to sepsis when bacteria from an untreated abscess enter the bloodstream. The Mayo Clinic warns that a tooth abscess left untreated can spread to the jaw, head, and neck. If you experience any of these symptoms alongside dental pain or swelling, go to the emergency room immediately.
When Is It Too Late to Treat a Tooth Infection?
It is never too late to seek treatment for a tooth infection, but the longer you wait, the more limited your options become. An infection caught early can often be treated with a root canal, saving the natural tooth. When it progresses and destroys too much tooth structure or bone, extraction may be the only option. In the most serious cases, a spreading infection can require hospitalization.
Patients weighing their options between saving a tooth and having it removed can learn more about how dentists decide between a root canal and an extraction.
Will the ER Pull a Tooth if It Is Infected?
The ER will not pull a tooth if it is infected in most cases. Emergency rooms manage medical emergencies, not dental procedures. They can prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, but they do not have the equipment to perform extractions, root canals, or other dental treatments. After an ER visit for a dental infection, you will still need a dentist to address the source of the problem.
Knowing the difference between an emergency dentist and a walk-in clinic can also help you choose the right place for care.
Can Your Body Fight Off a Tooth Infection by Itself?
Your body cannot fight off a tooth infection by itself. Unlike some infections in other parts of the body, a dental infection is trapped inside the tooth or in the bone surrounding it. Your immune system cannot reach the source of the bacteria effectively enough to clear it. The Sepsis Alliance confirms that dental infections require treatment, and delaying care gives bacteria time to spread to the jaw, bloodstream, and other organs. The only reliable path is professional dental care.
What It All Comes Down To
A dental emergency can happen to anyone, at any time. The difference between a good outcome and a serious complication often comes down to how quickly you act. Staying calm, following the right steps, and getting to a dentist as soon as possible gives your teeth the best chance.
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, not an emergency room. A dentist can diagnose the problem, treat the cause, and restore your tooth on the same visit in many cases.
Preventive care remains the most effective way to avoid emergencies altogether. Regular checkups, good brushing and flossing habits, and prompt treatment of small problems are the foundation of long-term oral health.
Alpha Dental in Cinnaminson, NJ has served families throughout Burlington County for over 30 years. We offer emergency dental care with same-day appointments whenever possible, and our team is ready to walk you through your symptoms and help you decide the safest next step. Call us at (856) 829-1989.