You might’ve been going about your day when you suddenly found yourself needing urgent dental care. Whether it’s for a severe toothache or a cracked tooth, you may be left scrambling for where to go. Is visiting your dentist better, or do ERs handle dental emergencies? Here is what you should know to get the relief you deserve as soon as possible.
So, Should I Visit My Dentist or ER?
In short, it’s best to visit a dentist when it comes to your dental emergencies. These oral healthcare professionals have years of training and experience to identify and treat problems in your mouth. With tools that are specifically designed for your teeth and gums, you can get a much more effective solution for your situation.
Heading to your dental office is often a smarter choice because ERs generally don’t have a dentist on staff. The doctors they have will be able to prescribe painkillers and antibiotics, but they aren’t equipped to do any dental care. Oftentimes, they even tell their patients to call their dentist!
Would I Ever Need to Visit the ER for a Dental Emergency?
That being said, there may be some instances where you should visit your local ER for your dental injury. While they can’t give you the treatment you need, they can help you find relief from any pain you feel. Here are some scenarios where it’s best to go to your emergency room:
- You’re experiencing uncontrolled, severe bleeding for more than 10 minutes despite applying pressure.
- You have a tooth abscess with a high fever, swelling, and trouble breathing or swallowing.
- You had a physical injury that broke or fractured your jawbone.
How Can My Dentist Treat My Dental Emergency?
When you visit your dentist, the team will get to work right away. They are trained to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, so they’ll first work to get you comfortable. Afterward, your dentist will do an oral examination and get a good understanding of your situation. They’ll then develop a treatment plan that will get you back to a problem-free smile. For some cases, it may be a simple filling, and others may need a more in-depth procedure.
You should still head to your dentist if you visited the ER first. You might’ve only gotten a temporary fix, so you still need to get a solution to the problem entirely. That way, you get back to a grin that leaves you feeling confident.
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti earned her dental degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston. She believes in continuing her education, planning to take over 300 hours to stay up-to-date on modern techniques and technology. Dr. Civetti is here for your dental emergencies, offering same-day appointments for those who need urgent oral care. With conscious sedation, you can get the treatment you need that brings you the relief you deserve.
If you suddenly crack a tooth or have severe dental pain, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling (561) 798-4200.