What should you do if someone receives a facial injury and breaks a tooth? Many might first consider driving to an emergency room. After all, “emergency” is in the name. But concerned parents and panicking coaches have another option: visiting an emergency dentist.
Emergency dentists have equipment and training that the average ER doesn’t, making them better prepared to handle little Timmy’s cracked incisor. If you’re wondering, “What qualifies as a dental emergency?” “Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?”, or “Why should I go to an emergency dentist instead?”, then keep reading.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Because people can sometimes endure several days of dental pain, it can be difficult to know what qualifies as a dental emergency. If you experience or notice any of the following, you should seek emergency aid:
- A severe toothache
- A dental abscess
- Swelling
- Soft tissue injury
- A dislodged tooth
- A cracked or broken tooth
Generally, if you’re considering going to an emergency room, you probably do have an emergency. When the situation involves teeth, contact your dentist. They’ll be able to tell you whether you need immediate assistance or can wait for an appointment.
Can I Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?
The helpfulness of an emergency room for a dental emergency depends on the situation. Emergency room staff can staunch excessive bleeding, stabilize broken facial bones, administer pain relief, and slow infections. Think of emergency room services as more generalized urgent care. If you’re in danger of losing consciousness or are experiencing unbearable pain, these are the doctors you should go to.
However, know that emergency rooms cannot legally extract teeth, perform root canals, or conduct other types of specialized dental treatment. Because of this, they will refer patients requiring dental procedures to emergency dentists.
Why Should I Go to An Emergency Dentist Instead?
If the dental emergency isn’t immediately life-threatening, contacting an emergency dentist will save time and money. Instead of visiting two different offices, patients can visit one, and dentists are better equipped to assess and nurse traumatized teeth. They can also advise patients on first-aid techniques so they don’t have to wait until their appointment to alleviate pain or risk causing themselves harm in the meantime.
It never hurts to call a dentist and ask what to do next. Even if they can’t help in the moment, they can recommend temporary fixes or guide patients toward the appropriate services. The last thing anyone wants to do during a stressful emergency is to worry about contacting the wrong doctor. Remember that your dentist is there to help you monitor your oral health and that even a “simple” toothache can be a valid cause for concern.
About the Practice
Drs. Pankti Patel and Jainisha Patel practice at The Elegant Dentistry in Oak Point. Proficient in many types of dental care, they’re able to address dental traumas with swiftness and efficiency. To get in touch with their emergency services, call the office at 469-598-1023. To learn more about their services, patients can visit The Elegant Dentistry website.