Emergency Dental Care: Who Should You Call—A Dentist or the Hospital?
When sudden tooth pain strikes or a dental injury occurs, the decision of whether to call a dentist or head straight to the emergency room can feel overwhelming. In the U.S., where access to both healthcare and dental care can vary by state and insurance coverage, it's important to know who to contact for immediate help. Let’s break down the facts—based on guidance from the American Dental Association (ADA), Cleveland Clinic, AMA Journal of Ethics, and peer-reviewed journals—to help you make the right choice at the right time. What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency? The ADA defines a Dental Emergency as a condition that is potentially life-threatening or requires immediate attention to stop ongoing tissue bleeding, alleviate severe pain, or treat acute infection. These include: Severe toothache or swelling Knocked-out or broken teeth Oral bleeding that won't stop Painful infections or abscesses Facial trauma involving the jaw or mouth When to Call Your Dentist Fir...