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
Seek emergency medical help if swelling makes it difficult to breathe or swallow, if you cannot swallow your saliva, or if swelling beneath the tongue is lifting the tongue.
These signs may indicate a spreading infection that needs immediate treatment.
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
Seek urgent dental care if you have:
Increasing tooth or jaw pain
Facial or jaw swelling
Pus or a persistent foul taste
Fever or feeling generally unwell
Difficulty opening your mouth
Swelling that is spreading toward the eye or neck
Bleeding after an extraction that does not settle with instructed pressure
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine dental appointment if a tooth has not appeared when expected, a wisdom tooth is partly visible, or you have mild symptoms that keep returning.
Persistent bad taste, tenderness, food trapping, or pain when chewing should also be assessed.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Impacted tooth. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.