Should You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

Do you have a dental emergency on your hands? They can be incredibly stressful because it is difficult to make quick decisions when you are dealing with pain. You may not even know where to go in order to get help. While the emergency room is the best option for many different urgent situations, it isn’t always the most ideal choice if you are encountering a dental emergency in Richardson. Continue reading to learn about when you should see your emergency dentist or head to the ER.

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room for Help?

If you have a serious laceration or cut on your face, a broken or dislocated jaw, or a serious infection that is impacting your ability to breathe or swallow, you should go to the emergency room. If you aren’t able to make it to the ER, you should call 911 for help. Life threatening emergencies are best treated at the hospital than a dental office where they may not be equipped enough to handle them.

When Should You See an Emergency Dentist?

For dental emergencies that aren’t life-threatening, the dental office is usually the best place to be. Your emergency dentist in Richardson is equipped and trained to candle any of the following issues:

• Cracked, chipped, and broken teeth
• Knocked out and partially dislodged teeth
• Damage and lost dental restorations
• Oral abscesses
• Severe toothaches

Why Is Going to the Dentist Better than the Emergency Room for Most Dental Emergencies?

A dentist is the most qualified person to provide dental care, even in emergency situations. In fact, it is actually illegal in many states for anyone other than a dentist to perform any restorative dental care, fill cavities, or extract teeth. A lot of the time, emergency rooms don’t even have a dentist on call to treat patients either. All they can really do in the emergency room is rule out life threatening medical issues and provide you with pain relievers, antibiotic, and other medications for temporary relief. Ultimately, even if you do visit the ER, you will still be needing to see your dentist afterwards to have the issue taken care of.

When you avoid the ER when it is unnecessary, you are giving others the ability to receive quicker treatment without overwhelming the hospital staff. If you aren’t in danger, the dental office is probably the best place to be.

If you’re dealing with a dental emergency and aren’t sure what to do, give your dentist a call. This way, you can get relief in no time!

About the Author

Dr. Hamid Mirsepasi is an experienced prosthodontist who has been practicing for more than two decades. He earned his dental doctorate as well as his Graduate Prosthodontic Specialty Certificate from the Rutgers University Dental School. Currently, he is affiliated with the American Dental Association and the American College of Prosthodontics. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (972) 231-5744.