Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
These concerns need assessment but are not always emergencies.
Seek urgent or emergency care for:
Trouble breathing or swallowing
Rapidly increasing swelling of the mouth, face, tongue, or neck
Heavy bleeding that will not stop with continuous firm pressure
Collapse, severe weakness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the dental team promptly if you have increasing pain after initial improvement, fever, pus, a bad taste with worsening swelling, persistent numbness, or bleeding that does not settle after firm pressure as instructed.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine questions about diet, stitches, returning to work, or tooth replacement can usually wait until normal office hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Tooth extraction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.