When to Go Straight to the ER

Dental emergencies may occur after a fall or an accident. Patients should always seek urgent medical care following a serious car accident. According to Harvard Health, any injury that results in a blow to the head can be fatal. Keep in mind that head injuries can be difficult to detect. Patients may feel fine shortly after their accident, but they could have internal bleeding. Some head injuries can also trigger dangerous brain inflammation.

After an accident, patients may experience a rush of adrenaline. This stress hormone keeps one stable during an emergency, but it can also numb pain. Patients may not realize the extent of their injuries until the adrenaline wears off. By then, the medical problem may have worsened. The patient may be severely ill.

Patients should also visit the ER if they have heavy oral bleeding. Seek medical care right away if bleeding does not stop within a few minutes. Patients might also need urgent care if they suffer an injury while taking blood thinners. These prescription drugs can cause uncontrolled bleeding. A medical provider may need to intervene to prevent hemorrhage.

After a dental emergency, patients may try to contact their family dentist. But if it is after-hours, patients might be unable to reach the office team. If you experience severe pain or bleeding, do not wait until the dental office reopens. Instead, visit the ER for an immediate evaluation.

“Should I visit the ER after a dental emergency?”

Emergency Dental Appointments

If an emergency occurs during business hours, call the dental office for advice. Dental emergencies include:

• Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
• Dental pain
• Jaw injuries
• Knocked-out teeth
• Loose permanent teeth
• Oral bleeding

The office team can provide on-the-spot guidance. They can also arrange a same-day or next-day appointment. After an emergency, the team may ask the patient to visit the office as soon as possible.

Sometimes, patients might be tempted to delay their appointment. For example, they may be nervous about seeing a dentist or reluctant to reschedule an important meeting. But keep in mind that dental emergencies can worsen rapidly.

The human mouth is home to hundreds of species of bacteria. After an oral injury, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. They may travel to internal organs and cause life-threatening complications. Emergency treatment helps prevent or treat serious oral infections.

Untreated dental emergencies can also result in permanent tooth loss. Patients who delay treatment may need extensive reconstructive work. Prompt treatment resolves dental problems and protects your oral health. If you have a dental emergency, do not wait to seek care.

“What happens if I do not seek care after a dental emergency?”

Understanding Emergency Dental Treatment

During an emergency visit, the dental team may take photos or X-rays. Next, the dentist performs a thorough exam. First, they inspect the patient's teeth and gums. Then the dentist determines what treatment is necessary.

If the patient has severe health problems, the dentist may arrange for an ambulance or send the patient to the ER. Hospital visits are usually reserved for severe injuries like broken bones or widespread infections. In most cases, the dentist can resolve the problem in the office.

The dentist can repair broken teeth or damaged dental appliances. But sometimes, treatment may involve several office visits. For example, if the patient needs a crown or implant, the dentists may order materials from a lab. The dental team might also delay reconstructive work until the patient's mouth has healed from the original injury. Our team can let you know how many procedures to expect.

Dentists can treat oral injuries with stitches or medication. Prescription drugs can also treat or prevent infection. If the patient has an abscessed tooth or gum, they may need a combination of medication and in-office care. Abscesses occur when a pocket of pus develops near the root of the tooth. These bacterial infections can cause debilitating pain. Patients experiencing an abscess may need in-depth care.

“What happens during an emergency dental visit?”

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room in Palm Desert, CA

Questions Answered on This Page

Q. Should I visit the ER after a dental emergency?

Q. What happens if I do not seek care after a dental emergency?

Q. What happens during an emergency dental visit?

Q. What kind of follow-up care will I receive?

People Also Ask

Q. What should I do if I chip a tooth?

Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?

Q. What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?

Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?

Q. When is a root canal needed?

Q. What are the benefits of composite fillings?

Follow-Up Care

After a dental emergency, patients can expect at least one follow-up visit. During this checkup, the dentist examines the patient's mouth. They may ask about the patient's symptoms and pain level. Sometimes, the dentist also performs an X-ray. Follow-up visits ensure that treatment was successful. If the patient needs further care, the dentist can adjust their treatment plan.

Some dental emergencies can take time to resolve. For example, a dentist may perform several procedures to repair damage caused by a severe injury or accident. If the emergency resulted in tooth loss, it might also take time to arrange for a replacement tooth. The dentist can provide further details about your treatment timeline.

“After a dental emergency, patients can expect at least one follow-up visit.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a dental emergency?

A. Dental emergencies may involve severe pain, heavy oral bleeding, or tooth damage. Sometimes, patients find it hard to determine whether they are experiencing an emergency. When in doubt, reach out to an emergency dentist or doctor for guidance. Always seek care for sudden or worsening tooth pain.

Q. What should I do if I need emergency dental care?

A. If you experience a dental emergency, call your dentist. The office team can determine whether you need to visit the ER. If the dentist can handle the problem in-office, the team can arrange a same-day appointment.

Q. What should I do if I cannot reach my dentist during a dental emergency?

A. If an emergency happens during evenings, weekends, or holidays, go straight to the ER. Do not wait until your dental office reopens. Delaying emergency dental care may result in life-threatening health complications or permanent tooth damage.

Q. What dental emergencies always require an ER visit?

A. Dental emergencies may occur after a head injury. If you suffer a blow to the head, visit the ER for a full exam. Head injuries may seem minor at first, but they can trigger internal bleeding or brain inflammation. See a doctor for a complete screening. Then contact your emergency dentist after you leave the hospital.

Q. What should I do if I have injured my gums, cheeks, or tongue?

A. First, stop the bleeding immediately. You may do so by applying light pressure to the injury site with a cold compress. Then, contact us right away.

Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile

By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.

Scan here to view this page, Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room, on mobile

Dental Emergency Terminology

Abscess

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus the forms in the tooth root from a bacterial infection.

Dentist

A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.

Facial Cellulitis

Facial cellulitis is a condition in which an infection from an abscess or plaque in the teeth causes pain and spreads throughout the face.

Facial Trauma

Facial trauma can occur when someone is hit in the face by a ball or accidental elbow, along with smashing the face into objects such as a wall or steering wheel.

Impacted Wisdom Tooth

An impacted wisdom tooth is a tooth that does not erupt from the gums properly that can cause pain and become infected without professional extraction.

Irreversible Pulpitis

Irreversible pulpitis is when the pain in the tooth occurs spontaneously or continues to hurt after the patient removes the hot/cold substance that was causing pain. Normal pulpitis will cease hurting directly after removing what is causing the pain.

Lateral Luxation

Lateral luxation is the displacement of a tooth that moves it in the wrong direction while it is still attached to the gums.

Pericoronitis

Pericoronitis is the inflammation of soft tissues surrounding a tooth that does not fully erupt from the gums and causes pain.

Tooth Avulsion

Tooth avulsion is when the tooth completely displaces from the socket due to an accident or other health issues. We can replant the tooth if the patient seeks immediate care.

Tooth Fracture

A tooth fracture can result from multiple sources including an accidental elbow to the face during a sports game, biting on something really hard, falling face first and more.

Call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa in the Event of an Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Know you can rely on our team when they do. Call (760) 565-0234 for the immediate care you need when one does.

Helpful Related Links

• American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
• WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025

About our business and website security

• Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa was established in 2017.
• We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Check, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
• We serve patients from the following counties: Riverside County
• We serve patients from the following cities: Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, and Palm Springs
• Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
• Norton Safe Web. View Details
• Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details

Scan here to open directions to Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile

Back to top of Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room

QR code for Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room

Related Topics

• Emergency Dental Care
• What Do I Do If I Damage My Dentures
• What Should I Do If I Chip My Tooth
• When a Situation Calls for an Emergency Surgery
• When Is a Tooth Extraction Necessary
• Find a Dentist in Palm Desert, CA

Related Posts

How Emergency Dentists Perform A Root Canal Retreatment

If severe tooth pain returns after a previous root canal, an emergency dentist may recommend root canal retreatment to eliminate the infection and restore long-term dental health. While an initial endodontic procedure has a high success rate, complications can arise years later that require professional intervention. By choosing an emergency dentist, you can find immediate…

When Dental Pain May Indicate The Need For A Root Canal

Are you experiencing dental pain? Recognizing when a root canal is required can be the difference between saving a natural tooth and needing a total extraction. If you are experiencing dental pain, understanding the following signs will help you decide when to seek professional care.One of the most prominent indicators of internal damage is persistent,…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures?

Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene…

Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should…

Explore additional topics covered on our website:

• Emergency Dentist
• Tooth Extraction
• Dental Office
• Find Dental Care Near Me

Call Us Today

Scan here to call Desert Dream Dentistry & Spa on mobile

About

We are committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Palm Desert area and treat patients of all ages.

Contact

• Privacy Policy
• /
• Sitemap

Request Your Appointment Today!

• Activate Black Text
• Activate White Text
• Increase Font Size
• Decrease Font Size
• Reset Accessibility Options