Dental Emergency Guide
Know what to do before you need it. Select your emergency below for step-by-step guidance and immediate help finding a dentist near you.
Find Emergency Dentist NowCommon Dental Emergencies
Click any emergency for detailed guidance, symptoms, and what to do right now.
Severe Toothache
UrgentIntense, throbbing pain that won't subside — may indicate infection or nerve damage.
Knocked-Out Tooth
CriticalAct within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Dental Abscess
CriticalBacterial infection with swelling, fever, or pus — can become life-threatening.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
UrgentFractures from trauma or biting — can expose the nerve and lead to infection.
Lost Filling or Crown
See Dentist SoonExposed tooth structure causes sensitivity and vulnerability to further damage.
When to Call 911 Instead
Some dental emergencies require immediate emergency medical care, not just a dentist:
- • Difficulty breathing or swallowing (spreading infection)
- • Uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop
- • Severe facial trauma or broken jaw
- • High fever with swelling and confusion
- • Swelling closing your airway
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation involving the teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate professional attention to relieve severe pain, stop bleeding, save a tooth, or treat a potentially life-threatening infection. Unlike routine dental problems, emergencies cannot wait for a scheduled appointment.
EmergencyDental.com maintains a national directory of verified emergency dentists available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including nights, weekends, and holidays. Use our search to find a provider near you right now.