Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or a serious facial injury need an emergency room or 911 — not a dental office.
Emergency dentist
What counts as a dental emergency, what to do in the first few minutes, what it costs to be seen, and how to find same-day help. General information to help you act — not a substitute for professional care.
Is it actually an emergency?
Get seen the same day for:
- A knocked-out or badly broken tooth
- Severe, throbbing toothache that won't ease
- A swollen face, jaw or gum — a possible abscess or infection
- Bleeding that won't stop
- A lost filling or crown causing sharp pain
Swelling spreading to your eye or neck, trouble breathing or swallowing, or a high fever means an infection may be spreading — treat that as a medical emergency and go to the ER.
What an emergency visit costs
Just being seen — an emergency exam, usually with an X-ray — typically costs $100–$300. The treatment is separate and depends on what's wrong:
- Tooth extraction — from $75
- Root canal — $700–$1,800
- Crown to rebuild a broken tooth — $800–$2,500
After-hours, weekend and holiday visits sometimes add a fee. If you have no insurance, see our guide below.
Emergency dentist — FAQ
What counts as a dental emergency?
Common dental emergencies include a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, uncontrolled bleeding, severe or worsening toothache, a swollen face or gum (possible abscess/infection), and injuries to the mouth. Anything with spreading swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a high fever is urgent — go to an emergency room or call 911.
How much does an emergency dentist cost?
An emergency exam (often with an X-ray) usually runs $100–$300 just to be seen. The treatment is extra and depends on the problem — a simple extraction from $75, a root canal $700–$1,800, and so on. After-hours or weekend visits can carry an added fee.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Handle it by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it's dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline — don't scrub. Try to place it back in the socket; if you can't, keep it in milk or between your cheek and gum, and get to a dentist as fast as possible. A tooth reimplanted within an hour has the best chance. This is general information — seek professional care immediately.
How do I find an emergency dentist near me?
Search for dentists offering same-day or emergency appointments and call ahead to confirm they can see you and take your insurance. Many practices keep slots for emergencies. Booking marketplaces let you filter for same-day availability. For life-threatening swelling, bleeding or trauma, go to an ER instead.
Can I go to the ER for a toothache?
An emergency room can help with severe swelling, infection, trauma and pain relief, but hospitals usually can't do dental treatment like fillings, extractions or root canals — they'll stabilise you and refer you to a dentist. For the actual fix, you'll still need a dentist. If there's facial swelling affecting breathing or swallowing, the ER is the right place.
What can I do for tooth pain until I'm seen?
Over-the-counter pain relievers used as directed, a cold compress on the outside of the cheek, and rinsing with warm salt water can ease symptoms temporarily. These don't treat the cause — they just buy time until a dentist can see you. If pain is severe or you have swelling or fever, don't wait.
DentalCostTab provides general information, not medical or dental advice, and cannot diagnose or treat you. In an emergency, contact a dentist, an emergency room, or 911.