Severe pain or infection
Learn when to call 911, when to try an emergency dentist, and when an ER may treat pain but not fix the tooth.
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Dental care when you have a toothache or no dentist
Toothache, broken tooth, abscess, or no regular dentist? ContactNurse’s Dental care guide helps you decide when it is an emergency, find a dental office nearby, and locate low-cost or Medicaid options—without another account.
Find a dentist nearby
Search dentists, dental clinics, and emergency dental care by location—right from the app’s Resources section.
Low-cost & Medicaid dental
Find FQHCs with sliding-fee dental, dental school clinics, Medicaid dental benefits, and kids dental programs.
When dental care can’t wait
Dental problems can become medical emergencies. A toothache with facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, high fever with infection, or jaw trauma may need 911 or an emergency room—not a routine dental appointment.
For toothache, abscess, or a broken tooth without breathing trouble, an emergency dentist or urgent dental clinic is often the better first step. ERs may treat pain and infection but may not repair the tooth.
Affordable dental options
- FQHCs: Many community health centers offer dental on a sliding fee scale.
- Dental schools: Teaching clinics often charge less than private offices.
- Medicaid & CHIP: Kids and adults in some states have dental benefits—check your state program.
- Insure Kids Now: Find dentists who accept children’s dental coverage.
Dental care FAQ
What should I do for a toothache with no dentist?
For severe pain or infection, try an emergency dentist or urgent dental clinic. If swelling affects breathing or swallowing, call 911. ContactNurse helps you decide where to go and find affordable options.
How do I find affordable dental care?
Look for FQHCs, dental school clinics, Medicaid dental programs, and state kids dental programs. ContactNurse links to these resources and helps you search nearby.
Is the ER the right place for a toothache?
ERs can help with severe pain and infection but often do not fix the tooth. Emergency dentists may be better when breathing is not affected. Call 911 for life-threatening symptoms.
Important safety note
ContactNurse does not provide medical or dental advice. It helps you reach phone numbers and public resources. Always follow your clinician’s guidance. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.