Emergency Oral Surgery: When to Go to the ER vs. Your Oral Surgeon

Dental emergencies can be frightening. From jaw injuries to knocked out teeth, these urgent situations require immediate treatment. In the heat of the moment, you may not know where to go for emergency care. Should you call your oral surgeon or go directly to the ER? 

The first step is to stay calm. Then consider the following information to help you determine your next steps. When in doubt, call Braasch Oral Surgery at 603-657-1984 and we will provide the necessary guidance. 

What is a Dental Emergency? 

A dental emergency is a blanket term for any situation that requires immediate attention. When it can’t wait until the next day, it is considered an emergency. Examples include knocked out teeth, severe tooth pain, soft tissue injuries, facial trauma, and jaw injuries. In most cases these conditions require urgent care. 

When to Go to the ER

In the following situations, call 911 or proceed immediately to the nearest emergency department.

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness
• Severe facial trauma or obvious fractures 
• Obstructed breathing 

These conditions can be life threatening, which is why you should seek immediate emergency care rather than calling your oral surgeon. In most cases the ER will provide the necessary treatment to stabilize the patient. Then you may need to see your oral surgeon for follow-up care either in the hospital or at our office depending on the severity of the situation. 

When to Call Your Oral Surgeon

An oral surgeon is equipped to handle urgent dental situations that are non life threatening. Examples include:

• Broken or dislodged teeth
• Wisdom tooth complications
• Infections or abscesses
• Minor or moderate facial trauma

At Braasch Oral Surgery we are equipped to handle these types of dental emergencies. We provide extractions, stabilization of loose or knocked out teeth, treatment for jaw injuries and abscesses, and more. 

How to Decide in the Moment 

If you’re debating where to go for treatment, ask yourself the following questions:

• Are the symptoms life threatening, such as uncontrolled bleeding or difficulty breathing? ER
• Has a tooth been knocked completely out of the socket? Oral Surgeon
• Does the jaw appear to be broken? ER
• Is there swelling and signs of infection? Oral Surgeon
• Does the patient have a high fever? ER 
• Is the tooth loose but still in the socket? Oral Surgeon
• What level of pain is the patient experiencing? This will need to be a judgement call

Asking yourself or the patient these questions can help you determine the urgency of the situation so you’ll know what to do and where to go. If you call us we will ask the necessary questions to make our own recommendation for care. 

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies 

Not all emergencies can be prevented, but you can significantly reduce the risk by taking these steps:

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports. 
• Practice good oral hygiene habits like brushing twice a day and flossing once a day.
• Avoid opening containers or removing tags with your teeth. 
• Don’t chew ice or non-food items. 
• Wear a night guard to protect against teeth grinding. 

Call Braasch Oral Surgery 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a non life threatening dental emergency, call Braasch Oral Surgery right away at 603-657-1984 both during and after office hours. If you reach us after hours, please follow the instructions on our voicemail to leave a message and someone will contact you shortly. If you do not hear from us within a few minutes, please call back or proceed to the ER. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Treatment

Can I call Braasch Oral Surgery if I’m not a patient?

We are happy to provide urgent treatment for all, not just current patients. Please do not hesitate to call us in case of a dental emergency and we will make arrangements to see you promptly. 

What is the most common dental emergency?

Severe pain and knocked out teeth are two of the most common dental emergencies. In many cases pain is a symptom of a more severe condition that requires urgent treatment. 
At Braasch Oral Surgery we are trained and equipped to handle most dental emergencies. We offer a wide range of oral surgery procedures that can relieve pain and restore your oral health. In case of a dental emergency, call 603-657-1984 any time of the day or night. For non-emergencies, contact us to schedule an appointment.