Should You Visit the ER or Your Emergency Dentist?

Just because you’re self-isolating doesn’t mean that a dental emergency still can’t occur, which is why it’s a good idea to have a plan in place. In the moment, it can seem like a hard decision to choose whether you should visit your local ER or your emergency dentist in Wall Township. Although it may make sense to go to your ER, not only will that mean a larger bill, but it may also put your health at risk, especially during the COVID-19 crisis. Read on to learn more about why it’s a good idea to visit your emergency dentist instead.

What Problems Can Your Emergency Dentist Address?

Some people are hesitant to visit their emergency dentist because they don’t want to make a big deal out of a problem that could go away on its own. However, the longer you leave severe oral health problems untreated, the worse they become. That’s why it’s a good idea to contact your emergency dentist if you feel any type of oral paint or experience out-of-the-ordinary symptoms. Some of the most common emergencies that they address include:

• Severe toothaches
• Knocked-out teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Damaged restorations
• Dental sensitivity
• Gum inflammation, irritation, or bleeding

The only situations in which you should visit your local ER before going to your emergency dentist is if you experience potentially life-threatening issues. These include problems breathing or swallowing, broken or fractured jaws, or deep facial lacerations that may require stitches. Otherwise, your emergency dentist is equipped to handle most all other situations.

Why Should You Visit Your Dentist Instead of an ER?

During the COVID-19 crisis, it’s important to take precautionary measures to stay safe and healthy. One of these would be to visit your emergency dentist instead of your ER, here’s why:

• Your emergency dentist’s office is less trafficked than an ER.
• ER’s are already overwhelmed with patients who are potentially ill.
• You’ll be able to receive specialized care from an emergency dentist that keeps the problem from arising again in the future.
• Emergency dentists are adhering to strict CDC sanitation and safety guidelines to prevent accidental exposure.
• Emergency dentists are pre-screening patients over the phone before they come into the office.

If you have any questions or concerns about their safety and disinfection practices, you can always contact their office for more information. Many emergency dentist’s are following CDC guidelines or adhering to more strict safety precautions in addition to the CDC’s recommendations. That way, you won’t have to worry about risking your health by seeking the care you need, like you would in an emergency room that sees significantly more patients in a day.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Aptaker has been practicing dentistry for several years and looks forward to offering his comprehensive dental services to his community. He offers same-day emergency dental appointments for his patients in pain as well as convenient, extended office hours. Although he offers urgent dental care, his main goal is to keep his patients’ smiles healthy so small oral health problems don’t have a chance to progress and cause pain or discomfort. For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit Shore Points General and Implant Dentistry’s website or call 732-223-9199.