Providing guidance for various dental emergencies and other concerns.
Some dental emergencies require immediate attention and can be life threatening. If you are experiencing a severe issue such as face, head or neck trauma, swelling that restricts your breathing, or excessive bleeding, seek urgent care or dial 911 immediately.
Dental issues may be upsetting and uncomfortable, but most are not life-threatening emergencies. They are generally best handled by a dentist and don't require a trip to an emergency department (ED) or urgent care facility. Here are some tips:
Try calling your dentist. If the issue occurs after normal business hours, most dentists offer 24-hour emergency service arrangements.
If teledentistry is an option, you can schedule an appointment from your home with a dentist.
Traditional methods such as ice packs and over-the-counter pain medications can help until you can see a dentist.
If your dental issue is covered below, click on the topic for additional help.
