Dental Emergency: Why You Should Call Your Dentist Before Heading to the ER

Not every dental emergency needs the hospital. Here’s why your local emergency dentist is often the faster, smarter choice.
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Posted on June 16, 2025
Older woman holding her jaw in pain, showing signs of a dental emergency at home
A senior woman experiences a painful dental emergency, highlighting the need for immediate care from a dentist—not the ER.

Tooth pain at 3 a.m. or a broken crown before a big event—your first instinct might be to rush to the emergency room. But unless it’s a life-threatening situation, your best bet is to call your emergency dentist in McKinney, TX.

At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we handle most dental emergencies same day, without the wait or expense of the ER.

🦷 Why Dentists Handle Dental Emergencies Better Than the ER

Most emergency rooms aren’t equipped for dental care. At best, they may:

  • Prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics
  • Recommend you see a dentist later

But they can’t provide definitive treatment, such as:

  • Tooth extractions
  • Root canals
  • Reimplantation of a knocked-out tooth
  • Treating dental abscesses
  • Fixing chipped or broken crowns and fillings

In contrast, your dentist can do all of the above—and more—on the spot.

🚑 When You Should Go to the ER

There are rare but serious cases where the ER is the right choice. Call 911 or go to the hospital if you experience:

  • Facial trauma with uncontrolled bleeding
  • A suspected broken jaw
  • Trouble breathing or swallowing
  • High fever with facial swelling or abscess

In all other cases, skip the ER and go straight to your emergency dentist.

⏱️ Common Dental Emergencies We Treat Same Day

At Pecan Tree Family Dentistry, we regularly treat:

  • Severe toothaches or swelling
  • Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
  • Broken or chipped teeth
  • Loose, cracked, or dislodged teeth
  • Lost crowns or fillings
  • Dental abscesses or gum infections
  • Soft tissue injuries to gums, lips, or tongue

📌 Related: Emergency Dental Services

💸 Save Time, Money, and Your Tooth

ER visits for dental pain can cost $400–$1,500 or more, and they rarely fix the problem.
By seeing your dentist instead:

  • You get real treatment, not just temporary relief
  • You avoid long hospital waits
  • You may save your natural tooth

📌 Related Reading: Dental Trauma: When to Seek Emergency Care

📞 Call Your Emergency Dentist in McKinney First

Time is critical when dealing with dental trauma. We offer:

  • Same-day emergency appointments
  • Walk-ins welcome
  • On-site imaging and diagnosis
  • Compassionate, efficient care

📞 Call us now at (972) 562-0767 or request a visit online

Dr.-Peter-J.-Kim

By Peter J. Kim, DDS

Dr. Peter J. Kim, DDS, is a highly skilled dentist in McKinney, TX. He earned his dental degree from the prestigious University of Michigan School of Dentistry and completed his residency in New York City. Dr. Kim is passionate about providing exceptional dental care and stays at the forefront of the field through advanced techniques and continuous education. Dedicated to serving the McKinney community, Dr. Kim offers a wide range of services, ensuring personalized care for every patient.