When Should I Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

If you've ever experienced intense dental pain or sudden trauma to your teeth, you may have wondered whether you should head to the emergency room or call your dentist. While many dental emergencies can and should be handled by your dental provider, certain situations may require a trip to the ER.

This is especially true when you’re suffering from symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding, severe infection, or any other potentially life-threatening complications. Understanding when to go to the ER for a dental emergency can help you make the right choice and get timely treatment.

Dental Emergencies That Require a Visit to the ER

Not all dental emergencies are created equal. While some can wait for an urgent same-day dental appointment, others need immediate medical attention at a hospital. Go to the ER if you experience:

• Severe, unrelenting pain that doesn’t respond to pain relievers
• Profuse bleeding from the mouth that cannot be slowed or stopped
• Facial swelling or jaw swelling that affects your ability to breathe or swallow
• High fever and signs of infection such as pus, fatigue, or a foul taste
• Any trauma to the face or jaw that causes broken bones or compromises your airway

Any situation involving your ability to breathe, speak, or swallow safely should prompt a visit to the ER. While dental professionals can handle most emergencies, they are not equipped to treat full systemic infections or complex facial trauma that might require imaging, IV antibiotics, or surgery.

When to Call an Emergency Dentist Instead

For dental emergencies that are painful but not life-threatening, time is still of the essence, but the ER may not be your best stop. At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Jared Wu and his team offer true 24/7 emergency dental care, with pagers that connect you directly to a dentist anytime, day or night.

Generally speaking, it’s best to call our office first instead of going to the emergency room if you experience one of the following conditions:

• A knocked-out tooth
• Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth without severe jaw or facial trauma
• Lost or pulled-out fillings, crowns, or dental restorations
• Swelling or toothaches, without fever or difficulty breathing
• Objects stuck between teeth that you can’t safely remove on your own

At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, our minimally invasive techniques focus on preserving your natural teeth and avoiding aggressive interventions unless absolutely necessary.

Why ER Visits Aren’t Always the Best First Step

Many patients are surprised to learn that hospitals aren’t always equipped to treat the root cause of dental emergencies. ER staff can often help manage pain or prescribe antibiotics for infection, but without a dental provider, they usually cannot fix the underlying issue. This means patients may still need to follow up with a dentist after the ER visit.

Additionally, ER visits can come with long wait times and costly bills. Whenever possible, contacting a practice like Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, where urgent care can be coordinated quickly, can save you time, money, and discomfort.

How to Be Prepared for a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies tend to happen when you least expect them, but being prepared can make all the difference. Here's what we recommend:

• Store our office number, (562) 924-8663, in your phone contacts
• Know the symptoms that require a call versus a trip to the hospital
• Keep a dental emergency kit with gauze, a small plastic container for teeth or damaged dental work, and pain relievers
• Come in or six-month cleanings and oral exams to spot potential issues early

Our team has served families in Cerritos for over three decades and understands how to manage emergencies swiftly and compassionately, offering both short-term relief and long-term care. If you're new to our dental office, ask us about the $99 new patient special. This is a great way to get started and stay one step ahead of emergencies.

Get Emergency Dental Support in Cerritos Today

If you're unsure about whether to go to the ER for a dental emergency, your best move is to pick up the phone and speak to a dentist who can guide you. At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Jared Wu is just a call away, even after hours, to help you get the urgent care you need without delay. Get in touch with our Cerritos team today and find peace of mind knowing you’re never alone when it matters most.