Can you go to the ER for a toothache?

The real answer is yes, you can. they will even give you an antibiotic and maybe a pain killer.

If they had a look at my tooth they would be able to see that half the tooth has broken off and it is swollen all around the edges...

so why didnt you go to the dentist?!

i say tough it out with some painkillers and get to the dentist at 9am

It's called being a student?

you cant take care of your health because you're a student?! WTF?!

No, DUH!

Since you are a student, does your school have a dental program? You can often see someone at the dental school for free or almost free, just an idea.

Nope, you can't.

Things to tie you over: try brushing with toothpaste. Toothpaste has a numbing agent in it. I was in a similar situation a few years ago and it was the only thing that helped (I too was curled up crying on the couch, turns out I had an exposed nerve from a bad filling).

Other things you might read online are: garlic compress, crushing up an asprin, or alcohol. None of those worked for me, might work for you depending on what's actually causing the problem.


OH, and if the pain goes away, go to the dentist anyway. The problem will just get worse.

If you're worried about expense, when I had my problem I was given two options: root canal or have the tooth pulled. I did not have insurance. The root canal would have cost $8,000, having it pulled would be $200. I decided to have it pulled, knowing I could get an implant later. Ended up costing me $300 because I needed to be anesthetized - the nerve was so sensitive that even with 7 novocaine injections it still hurt for them to pull it.

Last year, my tooth abcessed, and I was in so much pain I passed out.

I went to the ER, got pain meds, and antibiotics, to hold me over until I could get in to my dentist.

If the tooth is infected, it's a good idea to go to ER, as my dentist told me he would not have been able to help me on that day. When a tooth is infected, they can't freeze it. Hhe would have just given me antibiotics anyway, and told me to come back in a week when it was somewhat cleared up.

What a bunch of idiots on this thread.
This poor girl is in pain and just asking a question.

You could have a bad infection in there in which case the ER would help.
Maybe try rinsing your mouth with some warm salt water in the meantime to help with the pain. Most likely you have a nerve exposed and the air on it is causing the pain.

I'm sorry, but you need to go see a dentist ASAP. You can try the emergency clinic and they might give you something for the pain but the issue won't go away until the tooth is fixed, and the longer you wait, the worse the damage and pain will get. Some dental offices will allow you to do a payment plan, especially if you've been a longtime patient of theirs and have a good record of showing up and paying for treatment well. Hope you're feeling better soon.