If you're in pain, your first instinct might be to go to the emergency room. However, depending on the source of your pain, you might be better off seeing a dentist. Emergency rooms are equipped to deal with life-threatening injuries and illnesses, but they may not have the proper staff or resources to deal with dental problems. In addition, dental issues are often not considered true emergencies, so you may have to wait for a long time before being seen. On the other hand, dentists are specifically trained to deal with dental issues, and they should be able to see you relatively quickly. Therefore, if you're in pain and unsure of the cause, it's best to err on the side of caution and visit a dentist. They will be able to advise you on what to do next.