Dental emergencies are worrying situations that many people find themselves in. They can happen at any time, but prompt care ensures no further damage is done. You might experience one of these situations yourself, but should you go to your dentist or local emergency room? Here’s what you should know about who’s better at handling these urgent scenarios.
So, Is My Dentist or Local ER Better?
In short, it’s always best to visit your dentist for dental emergencies. They have years of training and have advanced technology and instruments designed to be used in the mouth. They can pinpoint the problem at hand and give you the effective solutions you deserve. So, you get long-lasting relief sooner rather than later.
ERs are great in their own right, but not for these types of urgent situations. Many don’t have a dentist on site, and doctors can’t perform dental procedures. Instead, you may get antibiotics and painkillers to hold off your discomfort until you can see your dentist!
Will I Ever Need to Visit an ER for a Dental Emergency?
While it’s always best to see your dentist first, there may be a rare chance they can’t see you immediately. If you need urgent relief, then an ER is a good bet. They can also help you in these worrying situations:
- Experiencing uncontrolled, severe bleeding for longer than 10 minutes.
- Having a tooth abscess that’s making it hard to breathe and swallow while also causing a high fever and swelling.
- Suffering from a physical injury that fractured or broke your jawbone.
How Does Your Dentist Handle Dental Emergencies?
When it’s time for your emergency dental visit, your dentist will get to work by getting you out of discomfort and examining your mouth. They will find the underlying issue during their assessment and may take X-rays to provide you with an effective treatment plan. A few services people often get are fillings, root canals, or crowns, but an extraction may be needed in severe cases.
Although ERs are great in their own right, they aren’t better than your dentist during a dental emergency. Your oral healthcare provider can give you the solution you need for relief; that way, you get back a confident smile you feel your best with.
About the Practice
Need urgent dental care? Our team at Schumacher Dental is dedicated to helping patients in Wakefield by offering same-day visits. Led by Dr. Robin Schumacher and Dr. Paul Sim, we can pinpoint the problem and provide you with the treatment you need. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at 781-334-3400.