Choosing between an emergency dentist and the ER during a dental emergency can be confusing. Research shows that both facilities are well-equipped to address dental issues. Each also has the right teams to help you. Knowing whether to go to an emergency dentist or an ER when a dental emergency occurs can provide you with more targeted solutions.
Going to an emergency dentist
This dental care provider has the training to address urgent dental issues. These problems do not necessarily require trips to the hospital. An emergency dentist focuses on treating oral injuries and relieving pain. This dentist also stabilizes the oral structures until the oral treatment is finished. The following are the different conditions that need attention from an emergency dentist.
What an emergency dentist can treat
A severe toothache may be a sign of infection. It may also mean structural damage or dental decay. The emergency dentist can provide temporary fillings. Draining the abscess can also relieve the discomfort. Root canal therapy removes the infected pulp and protects the treated tooth with a dental crown.
Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth need bonding material or crown placement. The solutions restore the function and protect the tooth's structure. Knocked-out teeth must be treated within 30 minutes to an hour. This amount of time is when reimplantation is still possible. The provider will reposition the tooth. Splinting it to the adjacent tooth can encourage healing.
Dental infection includes abscesses. Fever and swelling may occur. The patient may also experience severe pain. The emergency dentist will correct the situation by draining the abscess. The patient will take antibiotics to treat the source of infection.
Lost restorations tend to fall out or loosen. The teeth underneath become more susceptible to damage and sensitivity. The emergency dentist will try to restore the missing ones to keep the teeth protected. In some cases, a replacement will be necessary.
Severe mouth or gum pain results from damage to soft oral tissues. These damaged tissues are from injuries or infections. An emergency dentist will diagnose and treat the root cause of the pain. Severe mouth injuries can also result in bleeding and pain. Press a clean cloth or gauze on the part of the mouth that is bleeding. An ice pack can reduce swelling and pain.
Jaw pain can affect a person's quality of life. It is a telling symptom of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). This condition can lead to headaches and other types of discomfort. The emergency dentist can provide treatment to relieve the pain.
Going to the ER
Going to the emergency room is the right choice when the dental crisis involves uncontrolled bleeding or infection. A trip to the ER is also necessary when there is evidence of serious trauma to the mouth or face. The ER staff will provide treatments to manage pain and stop bleeding. Coordinating follow-up care with the general dentist will follow. Going to the ER for non-fatal oral issues may result in higher costs. It may also result in delayed care.
An emergency dentist is the right choice for your urgent dental issues
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Your general dentist may refer you to an emergency dentist for a more advanced treatment. An ER is for life-threatening oral problems. Working with your emergency dentist can help you regain your oral health.
Related Posts
Acting quickly by consulting an emergency dentist when facing the signs of dental implant rejection helps to protect the jawbone and surrounding teeth. While implants offer a permanent, high-success solution for missing teeth, the body occasionally struggles to integrate the titanium post with the natural bone. This complication requires immediate attention to halt the spread…
Your emergency dentist aims to provide you with immediate solutions to your dental emergencies. Studies show that some people prefer getting temporary relief to targeting the root cause of the problem. Busy schedules should not hinder good oral health. The following are the reasons for seeking immediate treatment from your emergency dentist.Providing instantaneous relief is…
An emergency dentist is a particular type of dental professional who undergoes additional education and training to learn how to deal with urgent and emergency situations. While emergency dentists do learn how to provide general dentistry care, they also learn how to think and act on the spot when an emergency happens. In most cases,…
Wondering whether a damaged tooth constitutes a dental emergency? Read on to find out. A damaged tooth may be considered a dental emergency if it causes severe and borderline intolerable discomfort (pain, swelling, sensitivity), causes a severe cosmetic issue, or is at risk of worsening complications, such as the loss of the tooth or the…