Should I Go to the Emergency Room or an Emergency Dentist?

It always seems to happen at the worst moment: a sharp crack while you’re eating, a throbbing ache that wakes you in the night, or swelling that makes it hard to close your mouth. In that instant, most people ask the same question: Do I go to the emergency room or call an emergency dentist? It’s an important choice that can affect not only how fast you get relief, but also how much you spend and how well the problem is treated. 

There are over two million people who visit hospital emergency departments each year for dental-related issues, and most of these visits could be treated more effectively by an emergency dentist. 

Read on to learn exactly what to do in a dental emergency and confidently decide when to visit an ER and when to see the best emergency dentist in Naperville. 

What is Considered a Dental Emergency? 

A true dental emergency often announces itself in ways you can’t ignore:

• Throbbing pain anywhere in your mouth or that spreads through your jaw
• Bleeding in the mouth that won’t stop
• Swelling that makes it hard to open or close your mouth
• A tooth that is knocked loose or knocked out 
• Jaw that is stuck in position 
• A severe toothache, especially when accompanied by a fever 

These are warning signs that something deeper is wrong, like a dental abscess or trauma to a tooth or jawbone. Situations involving uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, or a tooth that’s been knocked loose require immediate attention because they can lead to infection or permanent damage if left untreated. On the other hand, a mild toothache, a chipped tooth, or a lost dental filling that doesn’t cause pain are inconvenient but can usually wait until a scheduled dental visit. 

When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Dental Emergency

Some dental problems cross the line from urgent to life-threatening and require a trip to the emergency room: 

• An accident or a hit to the face that suggests a broken jaw
• Bleeding that won’t stop even after firm pressure
• Swelling that is spreading quickly or making it hard to breathe or swallow
• A fever along with additional signs of infection, like chills or fatigue

Even though they can’t perform dental treatments, emergency rooms are equipped to manage serious complications like airway obstruction, facial and dental trauma, or infections. 

When to See an Emergency Dentist for Dental Pain

When you have dental pain but no life-threatening symptoms, an emergency dentist is usually the right call. Some common scenarios include: 

• Severe toothache that keeps you up at night
• Cracked or chipped tooth after biting on something hard
• A dental crown that pops off during dinner 

If a tooth is knocked out and you can get to a dental office within an hour, the best dentist in Naperville may even be able to reattach it and save it. Emergency dentists can also repair a lost dental filling, determine if you need a root canal, drain a dental abscess, or resecure a loose crown. 

Dental Emergency First Aid: What to do While You’re on the Way to the Emergency Dentist 

When dealing with a dental emergency, your actions can make a big difference while you decide where to go:

• When possible, rinse your mouth gently with warm water to clean the area and remove debris
• If your cheek or jaw is swollen, press a cold compress against the outside of your face to reduce pain and swelling
• For bleeding, bite down gently on clean gauze until it stops, or hold pressure with clean gauze until you reach emergency help 
• If a tooth has been knocked out, pick it up by the crown, not the root, and keep it moist in milk or saliva until you can be seen by an emergency dentist
• Avoid putting aspirin directly on your gums or teeth since it can burn your gum tissue
• Don’t ignore severe tooth pain or swelling of your gums or cheek because an untreated infection can spread quickly
• Make a note of when and how the injury happened, as those details can guide treatment later

Finding the Best Dentist in Naperville for Dental Emergencies

A sudden toothache or broken crown can derail even the best day, which is why we take emergency dental visits seriously at Naperville Family Dental. With advanced training, clinical precision, and a warm approach that puts patients at ease, Dr. Donald Jonker treats a wide range of urgent concerns, including chipped teeth, severe cavities, damaged fillings, and infections. 

With after-hours emergency access and a calm, capable team, we deliver the kind of hands-on expertise that makes a meaningful difference when it matters most.

Ready to get the emergency dental care you need from the best dentist in Naperville?