Should You Go to an Emergency Dentist or ER?

You have a throbbing toothache that’s keeping you from being able to concentrate at work. Your pain’s so severe that you ask your boss to leave, but where do you go for treatment? It’s true that your local emergency room would likely provide you with medication to help relieve your pain, but could they actually solve the underlying problem, stopping the searing discomfort once and for all? Read on to learn whether to visit an emergency dentist or ER for a dental emergency.

Can Emergency Rooms Treat Dental Problems?

In 2012 an estimated two million people visited ERs for dental treatments. While many emergency rooms aren’t equipped to provide routine dental treatments, with even fewer of them actually having dentists on-staff, there is a time and a place to go to the ER instead of an emergency dentist. In situations where you can’t get bleeding under control, you are having difficulty breathing, or you believe that your jawbone may be fractured, dislodged, or broken, the emergency room is likely the best option. This is because they have everything necessary to stabilize your condition, at least until you’re able to make it to an emergency dentist.

Why is it Better to Visit an Emergency Dentist?

Unless you’re in a dire situation that is life-threatening, visiting the ER will only tack on a high medical bill in addition to dental emergency treatment, as they won’t be able to actually treat the issue causing your pain. This is because they usually don’t have the professionals or instruments necessary to perform emergency treatments like tooth extractions or root canals, among other urgent procedures.

If you’re experiencing any of the situations below, your emergency dentist will be able to provide you with the timely, helpful care you need:

• A knocked-out or dislodged permanent tooth. In some cases, knocked-out teeth can be replanted within the mouth and preserved!
• Cracked teeth, which can be painful, visibly damaged, or both.
• Swollen gums below a tooth, especially those accompanied with a pimple-like bump.
• Soft tissue oral injuries to the gums, tongue, or inside of teeth.

Your best bet is to always contact your emergency dentist in Irving if you’re experiencing any out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. The sooner you seek treatment, the less progressed the issue will be, reducing your chances of needing more extensive intervention down the road.  

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker has been providing a full spectrum of dental services, including emergency, general, and cosmetic dentistry to his patients in Wall Township for several years now. He prioritizes continuing education, which allows him to offer more specialized procedures, including TMJ treatment and in-house tooth extractions. For his patients in pain, he also provides same-day emergency appointments. For questions or to schedule an examination, visit Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry’s website or call 732-223-9199.