When to seek emergency care
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, rapidly spreading facial swelling, high fever with facial swelling or another life-threatening symptom.
When a dental office is generally the right call
- Toothache without swelling or fever
- Chipped, broken or knocked-out tooth without airway or serious trauma concerns
- Lost filling or crown
- Persistent sensitivity
- Localized gum discomfort
When to call 911 or go to the ER
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Rapidly spreading facial swelling
- High fever with facial swelling
- Serious head, face or jaw trauma
- Any life-threatening symptom
Why the distinction matters
Hospital emergency departments are set up to stabilize serious medical conditions but generally do not perform definitive dental treatment. Follow-up at a dental office is usually still required.
What to do while deciding
- Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening symptom
- For a dental concern, contact the dental office to describe the situation
- Bring identification, insurance information and any medications list to whichever setting you visit
Related resources
Talk with a dentist about your situation
Call (432) 999-4078 or use the appointment-request form to discuss your options with the practice. Submitting a request does not guarantee an appointment; the office will follow up to confirm availability.
Frequently asked questions
This information is provided for general educational purposes and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an examination by a qualified dental professional. Individual causes, symptoms, treatment options and recovery can vary.