A dental emergency can be scary! It can be painful, distracting, and utterly frustrating. In such a situation, you should seek professional care as soon as possible. But whom should you visit? Should you call your dentist and wait for an appointment, or should you head to the local ER to see what they can do for you? The answer to that question depends on your unique circumstances. This blog post provides practical guidance to help you make wise decisions.
When to Visit the ER
Some dental emergencies require immediate medical attention, and the emergency room is the best place to get care. You should head to the ER if you experience any of the following:
- Severe bleeding from your mouth that does not stop after applying pressure for several minutes.
- Trauma to the face or jaw, such as fractures, dislocations, or deep wounds.
- Swelling that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow.
- High fever alongside oral pain, which could indicate a serious infection.
- Any other serious or life-threatening symptoms that accompany an oral health problem.
In such serious and urgent situations, emergency room staff can stabilize your condition and address life-threatening complications. Then, you should visit your dentist so they can use their unique skills to address your oral health.
When to See Your Dentist First
While ER staff are very good at what they do, they often do not have the training or equipment to handle most common oral health emergencies. Therefore, many dental problems, even if they feel urgent, are best handled by your dentist. You should contact your dental office promptly if you experience:
- A chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, provided there is no severe bleeding or facial trauma.
- A toothache that is painful but not accompanied by fever or swelling that impairs breathing.
- Lost fillings, crowns, or dental appliances.
- Minor soft tissue injuries in your mouth, such as small cuts or sores.
- Loose or knocked-out teeth.
When you call your dentist, they will do all they can to arrange their schedule so they can see you as soon as possible. In fact, many offices are willing to accept emergency patients on a same-day basis.
Still Not Sure What to Do?
If you are uncertain about where to seek help, call your dentist and describe the situation. Based on what you tell them, they can let you know whether you should visit the ER or come to their office. They can also provide tips on how to manage the situation until you are able to get professional attention.
Most dental emergencies are best handled by a dentist, but there are situations in which a visit to the ER is in order! Try to make an honest evaluation of your condition so you can seek the appropriate care.
Meet the Practice
At New Haven Dental Group, our highly skilled and compassionate team are able to accept most emergency cases on a same-day basis. Our priority is to help patients get out of pain and get back on the road to sound oral health. If you have an urgent oral health problem, we are ready to assist you! Contact our Hamden location at 203-587-7327.