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Emergency Dentistry

Toothache at Night: Should You Go to the ER or the Dentist?

By Dr. Lina Shahinyan, DDS, MS ·

Dentist reassuring a patient holding her jaw in pain during an emergency dental visit

A throbbing tooth at 2 a.m. feels like an emergency. Here is how to decide where to go.

Go to the ER if…

Swelling is spreading to your eye, neck or under the tongue, you are having trouble breathing or swallowing, or you have a high fever with facial swelling.

Call the dentist for…

Most toothaches, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns and gum abscesses. ERs can prescribe medication, but a dentist can fix the cause.

Until you are seen

Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed, use a cold compress and rinse with warm salt water. Call (323) 405-1491 first thing in the morning for our $39 emergency exam.

Still have questions?

This article is for general education and isn’t a substitute for an exam. Call us or book a visit for advice about your own smile.

Ready for a calmer kind of dental visit?

New patients get a comprehensive exam, cleaning and X-rays for $59. Most PPO plans and Denti-Cal accepted.

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