You probably already have a plan in place for dealing with a medical emergency: get to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible. But what if you have an urgent dental issue? Is going to the emergency room still the best course of action? Your emergency dentist is here to explain what you should do when your smile needs treatment as soon as possible.
Can the Emergency Room Help with Dental Issues?
Most emergency rooms do not have dentists. Consequently, they generally cannot offer any services that only a dentist can perform, such as a tooth extraction or a root canal treatment. This means that aside from offering pain medication and antibiotics, they are unable to treat a wide array of dental complications.
That said, there are certain life-threatening situations involving the mouth that are best handled by the emergency room, such as:
- A broken or dislocated jawbone.
- Oral bleeding that does not stop.
- Swelling that affects breathing or swallowing.
Should any of the above occur, you should get to the nearest emergency room as soon as you can.
Who Should You Call for Dental Emergencies?
So what should you do if you have a dental emergency that doesn’t put your life in danger? The answer is simple: call your dentist. Not only will they be able to identify the underlying cause of the problem, but they can also devise a treatment plan to help you find relief and protect your teeth and gums from further harm.
Remember, you shouldn’t delay emergency dental treatment. Even if you’re not sure that the situation is truly urgent, it’s better to see a professional sooner rather than later. Waiting too long could result in even worse problems.
What Counts as a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies come in many different forms. Common examples include:
- Teeth that have come loose or have been knocked out of the mouth altogether.
- Toothaches, especially if they last more than a day and/or are accompanied by signs of infection.
- Teeth that have been damaged in some way.
You may not be sure whether your situation is truly serious enough to be considered an emergency. However, even if you have doubts, you should still call your dentist’s office. Based on what you tell them, they can help you figure out how urgent your dental issue is and make arrangements to see you if need be.
Realizing that you have a dental emergency can be quite alarming. Fortunately, if you know who to call when the worst happens, it’s easier to stay calm and take whatever steps are necessary to protect your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mario DeNicola went to the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine for his dental degree, and he completed a General Practice Residency at Carilion Clinic Dental Care in Roanoke. His practice, Harrisonburg Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, offers a variety of services for resolving dental emergencies, including root canal treatments and tooth extractions. To schedule a consultation with Dr. DeNicola, visit his website or call (540) 432-6616.