Emergencies

What is a dental emergency?

Reviewed by Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist). Last reviewed November 3, 2026.

Status: Approved

Short answer: A dental emergency is a problem that needs prompt care to relieve severe pain, stop an infection or bleeding, or save a tooth. Examples include a knocked-out adult tooth, a badly cracked tooth, severe toothache, or swelling from a possible abscess. For trouble breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading toward your eye or neck, call 911 or go to the ER. Otherwise, call your nearest office during office hours.

Common dental emergencies and first steps

These tips come from the ADA:

  • Knocked-out adult tooth. Keep it moist at all times. If you can, put it back in the socket without touching the root. If not, hold it between your cheek and gum, or put it in milk or a tooth-preservation product with the ADA Seal. Get to a dentist right away.
  • Cracked tooth. Rinse with warm water and put a cold compress on your face to limit swelling.
  • Bitten tongue or lip. Clean gently with water and apply a cold compress. Get care if bleeding doesn't stop.
  • Toothache. Rinse with warm water and floss gently to remove trapped food. Don't put aspirin on the tooth or gums.
  • Something stuck between teeth. Try floss. Don't use sharp or pointed tools.

When to go to the emergency room

Go to the ER or call 911 for:

  • Facial or jaw swelling that's spreading
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • High fever
  • Bleeding that won't stop
  • A jaw or facial injury

MedlinePlus notes that jaw swelling with a tooth infection is a very serious symptom.

Preventing emergencies

  • Wear a mouthguard for sports.
  • Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy.
  • Use scissors, not your teeth, to open things.

At Indy Smile Group

Call your nearest office during office hours. See our emergency dentist pages for Fishers, Carmel and North Indy.

Next step

Call your nearest office during office hours. If an office is closed and you have any warning sign below, call 911 or go to an emergency room.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as a dental emergency?
Severe pain, a knocked-out or badly broken tooth, bleeding that won't stop, or swelling from a possible infection.

What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Keep it moist, in the socket, between cheek and gum, or in milk. Get to a dentist right away. Handle it by the crown, not the root.

Can I go to the ER for a toothache?
Go to the ER if you have swelling that's spreading, a fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing. For a toothache without those signs, call your dentist promptly.

Sources

  1. ADA MouthHealthy – Dental Emergencies
  2. MedlinePlus – Tooth abscess

Last reviewed: November 3, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Samuel Bacon, DDS (dentist)

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