I’m in tons of pain. I don’t have a regular dentist, but there is something wrong with my tooth. I can’t bite down. Even breathing hurts. Will an ER see me for a dental emergency?

Sammie M. – New Jersey

Sammie,

I’m sorry for the pain you’re in. There are few things as painful as dental pain. I’m not sure going to the ER will be as useful as you think. Most of them will not treat detnal problems. They might give you some ibuprofen (and then charge you $400 for it.)

My suggestion would be that you see an emergency dentist. Many family dentists will treat dental emergencies for people who aren’t their patients. Most will even see you the same day, if not right away.  They’ll be able to get you out of pain right away. It’s possible they’ll have to schedule a second appointment to repair the root problem, but that will mostly depend on how busy their schedule is when you call.

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