Tooth pain can sneak up on you. Sometimes it starts as a dull ache, and sometimes it hits like a freight train. Either way, it’s not something you want to ignore. So what happens when you’re in severe pain and your regular dentist isn’t available? Can you go to urgent care for tooth pain?
The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats.
What Urgent Care Can (and Can’t) Do for Tooth Pain
Urgent care centers can help with pain relief and rule out major infections. If you’re experiencing swelling, a dental abscess, or a severe toothache, an urgent care provider may offer over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and prescribe antibiotics if there’s evidence of infection.
What they can’t do is perform dental procedures. So if your tooth pain is due to a broken tooth, chipped tooth, tooth abscess, or you need a filling, root canal, or tooth extraction, they’ll likely refer you to an emergency dentist or advise you to contact your dental care provider ASAP.
When Is It Okay to Visit Urgent Care for Tooth Pain?
Urgent care is a step between your dentist and the ER. And believe it or not, tooth pain is one of the more common non-traumatic reasons people visit urgent care centers and emergency rooms. In fact, thousands of people end up at urgent care each year with dental-related issues, often because they’re in discomfort and unsure where else to go after hours.
There are certain situations where urgent care is a reasonable first step:
- You’re in intense discomfort and can’t reach your regular dentist
- You have a fever and swelling, possibly indicating an abscess
- It’s after hours, and you’re unsure if your pain qualifies as a dental emergency
- You need immediate care for pain and can’t get into a dental office that day
While urgent care physicians can’t fix the underlying dental problem, they can help stabilize you until you can get proper emergency dental care.
But What About the Emergency Room?
Data shows that in the U.S. there are over 2 million emergency department visits each year for dental pain, so it’s more common than you might think.
Many of these visits stem from abscesses, tooth decay, or other serious issues. If the pain is unbearable, you’re experiencing facial swelling that’s spreading, difficulty breathing, or signs of a serious tooth infection, the emergency room may be the safest place to go.
Hospitals can offer stronger pain medication, treat infections that have spread to other areas, and keep you from developing further damage.
Common Dental Emergencies to Watch Out For
Not all dental issues need emergency care, but some do. Here’s what might qualify:
- Severe toothache that doesn’t go away
- Swelling or pus around a tooth
- A knocked-out tooth
- Fractured teeth or large chips exposing the nerve
- Ongoing bleeding after an injury
- Loose or broken dentures or restorations
Temporary Pain Relief at Home
Until you can see a dentist, there are a few things you can try:
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Rinse with a saltwater solution to keep the area clean
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed for pain management
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sugary foods that might trigger tooth pain
These remedies aren’t a fix, but they may get you through the night.
The Importance of Follow-Up Care
Even if you’ve gone to urgent care or the emergency room, you’ll still need a follow-up appointment with your dentist. Whether it’s to complete a restoration, treat tooth decay, or evaluate your oral health, only a dentist can address the root cause of your pain.
When in Doubt, Call Your Dentist First
At Plancich Dental, we know dental emergencies don’t happen on a schedule. If you’re experiencing tooth pain, give us a call. We’ll help you decide whether you need to come in immediately, visit urgent care, or try temporary remedies until we can see you.
Tooth pain should never be ignored. What starts as a small ache can quickly cause bigger problems, such as a worsening infection or lost teeth, which may require major procedures.