Approximately 800,000 Americans will end up in the emergency room for a dental emergency and unfortunately that number only continues to rise. But did you know that in most cases, an emergency room is actually not the ideal place to be when you have a bad toothache, cracked restoration, or other urgent dental issue? If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in Uptown Houston, you’ll want to get in touch with a dentist first (at least most of the time). Learn why from a professional who’s treated dental emergencies for years.
Why ERs Aren’t Ideal for Dental Emergencies
Emergency rooms are equipped to handle many types of medical emergencies, but unfortunately they rarely have the professionals on staff or equipment to properly diagnose and resolve a dental emergency if one appears. In most cases, they will provide you with painkillers, maybe antibiotics if they believe an infection is present, and then tell you to go to a dental office anyway.
Not only does this mean your dental emergency isn’t being handled, but you will have wasted time and money on expensive services along the way. Keep in mind that emergency room visits tend to cost much more on average than visiting a dentist anyway, so it’s better to simply call a dentist first and then determine if a hospital visit is a better option.
Exceptions: When to Go to the Hospital
Like many things in life, dental emergencies are not always so cut and dry. Depending on the type of emergency you’re having, you may be better off going to the hospital first, even if the cases where you should are limited. This includes the following:
- You’re bleeding significantly and cannot stop it
- You believe your jaw is broken or dislocated
- An oral infection is making it difficult for you to breathe or swallow
In these cases, head to the emergency room first, then visit the dentist afterwards to ensure no other hidden issues are present. This is a good idea following an injury to your mouth where teeth can be cracked or damaged without being visible.
In Most Cases, a Dental Office is the Best Option
When you’re dealing with a toothache, cracked or chipped teeth, damaged restorations, tooth sensitivity, or other similar issues, a dental office will be a much better (and more affordable) solution compared to heading to an emergency room. Not only are you more likely to get the actual treatment you need to resolve your emergency and prevent it from coming back, but you’ll likely save a lot of money along the way.
While a dental emergency can cause a lot of stress, keeping an emergency dentist’s phone number on hand is a great way to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
About the Author
Dr. Alani is dedicated to not only getting you seen for a dental emergency as soon as possible, but treating it as comprehensively as she can to ensure you can begin healing and get your oral health back to normal. In the event of a dental emergency, don’t wait; call her office to get care from an experienced dental professional who’s been practicing for over 30 years. To schedule an appointment, you can contact her through her website.