Important Medical Warning
If you are experiencing a dental emergency, difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
The short answer: No, emergency rooms typically do not extract teeth. ERs aren't equipped for dental procedures, and most ER doctors aren't trained in extractions. However, there are important exceptions and legitimate reasons to go to the ER for a dental problem.
Here's exactly what you can expect from an ER visit for dental pain, and where you should go instead if you need a tooth pulled.
Why Emergency Rooms Don't Pull Teeth
1. Lack of equipment
ERs don't have dental chairs, extraction forceps, dental X-ray machines, or the specialized tools needed for safe extractions.
2. Training limitations
ER doctors are trained in emergency medicine, not dentistry. Tooth extractions require specific skills to avoid complications like nerve damage or jaw fractures.
3. Liability concerns
Performing procedures outside their scope of practice creates legal risks for hospitals and doctors.
4. Time constraints
ERs prioritize life-threatening emergencies. Dental procedures can take 30-60 minutes—time that could be needed for heart attacks or trauma patients.
What the ER Will Do for Dental Pain
Pain management
- Prescription-strength pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Sometimes a nerve block for temporary relief
Infection treatment
- Antibiotics for dental infections
- IV antibiotics if the infection is severe
- Drainage of large abscesses in some cases
Stabilization
- IV fluids if you're dehydrated
- Treatment for fever
- Monitoring for signs of sepsis
Referrals
- Information about emergency dental clinics
- Sometimes a dental consult if the hospital has an oral surgeon on call
What you'll receive:
Most patients leave with prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication and instructions to see a dentist as soon as possible.
When You SHOULD Go to the ER for a Dental Problem
Go to the ER if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling
- Swelling spreading to your neck or eye
- High fever (over 101°F) with dental symptoms
- Uncontrolled bleeding after an extraction or injury
- Facial trauma with broken jaw or multiple broken teeth
- Confusion or altered consciousness with dental symptoms
- Chest pain or rapid heartbeat with signs of infection
These symptoms indicate potentially life-threatening complications that require immediate medical intervention—not dental work.
The ER's job is to keep you alive until you can see a dentist.
Where to Actually Get a Tooth Pulled
1. Emergency dental clinics
Many areas have dental offices that handle after-hours emergencies. Search for "emergency dentist near me" or call your regular dentist's after-hours line.
2. Dental schools
University dental programs often have emergency clinics with reduced fees. Care is provided by supervised students.
3. Community health centers
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) offer dental services on a sliding scale based on income.
4. Hospital dental clinics
Some hospitals have oral surgery departments that handle dental emergencies.
5. Oral surgeons
For complex extractions (impacted wisdom teeth, broken roots), oral surgeons often have emergency availability.
Cost comparison:
- ER visit: $500-$3,000+ (and you still need to pay for extraction later)
- Emergency dental extraction: $150-$500
- Getting the extraction done right the first time is almost always cheaper than an ER visit plus later dental care.
How to Survive Until You Can See a Dentist
For pain:
- Alternate ibuprofen (400-800mg) and acetaminophen (500-1000mg) every 3-4 hours
- Apply ice pack to your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off)
- Elevate your head when lying down
- Rinse with warm salt water
For infection:
- If you got antibiotics from the ER, take them exactly as prescribed
- Don't stop taking them when you feel better—complete the full course
- Watch for warning signs of spreading infection (fever, spreading swelling)
For a broken tooth:
- Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum
- Avoid chewing on that side
- Rinse gently after eating
Remember: These are temporary measures. You still need to see a dentist for definitive treatment.
Key Takeaways
For an actual extraction, you need to see a dentist or oral surgeon. Many areas have emergency dental services—even late at night or on weekends. The cost of an emergency dental visit is almost always less than an ER visit, and you'll actually get the treatment you need.
Save the ER for true emergencies: difficulty breathing, spreading infection, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma. For everything else, find an emergency dentist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the emergency room pull a tooth?
No, emergency rooms do not pull teeth. ERs lack the dental equipment and training needed for extractions. They can provide pain medication and antibiotics, but you'll need to see a dentist for the actual extraction.
What will the ER do for a toothache?
The ER will typically prescribe pain medication and antibiotics if there's an infection. They'll check for signs of serious complications like spreading infection or airway compromise. They cannot perform dental procedures like fillings or extractions.
Should I go to the ER for tooth pain?
Only go to the ER if you have signs of a serious emergency: difficulty breathing, swelling spreading to your neck, high fever, or uncontrolled bleeding. For routine tooth pain, an emergency dentist is faster, cheaper, and can actually treat the problem.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
