Dental problems can be costly and painful. And because over a third of all Americans don’t have dental insurance, many wait until dental problems become serious before seeking out medical attention. But what constitutes a dental emergency, and how do you know when you need urgent medical care for a dental problem? Keep reading to learn when to visit the emergency room for dental care. Show
Common Dental Emergencies
Can You Go to the Emergency Room for a Tooth?You can absolutely visit the emergency room for dental care. Dental pain can be indicative of a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition, so it’s important to act quickly if you suspect that something is wrong. What Will the ER Do for a Tooth Infection?Depending on the source of your dental issues, an emergency room doctor might recommend various different courses of treatment. If there seems to be swelling or an infection, they might prescribe an anti-inflammatory medicine or an antibiotic. For a broken tooth or orofacial trauma, they might simply prescribe something for the pain. Can the ER Help with Severe Tooth Pain?If you are experiencing unbearable pain in your teeth, an emergency room visit can help you find relief. Whether you’ve had a tooth extracted, broken crown, or other dental procedure, sometimes over-the-counter medications simply don’t work. An emergency room doctor can help by administering a dose of stronger pain medication to manage the discomfort until you can set an appointment with your dentist to treat the problem. What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?Emergencies tend to happen outside of business hours for most dental offices, and you may find yourself unable to get in to see your dentist when something goes wrong. But when is it acceptable to visit an emergency room or urgent care for dental pain? Here are a list of Dos and Don’ts to consider before making the trip to the ER: Do go to the emergency room if:
Don’t got to the ER if:
Dental emergencies can be scary, but many aren’t as serious as they seem. A quick Google search or an after-hours call to your dentist can help you discern whether or not you actually need to see an emergency room doctor or if the issue can wait until the next day. If you can’t contact your dentist, call your local emergency room for advice on whether or not to come in. How to Avoid Dental EmergenciesDental issues are the main source of entirely avoidable trips to the emergency room. And while you should absolutely seek help if your teeth are causing you pain, the better solution to prevent dental emergencies altogether is to simply keep up with regular dental appointments. Yearly dental cleanings can help identify any issues you may be having, spare you a trip to hospital emergency rooms, and keep ER beds clear for more pressing emergencies. Visit Village Emergency CentersAt Village Emergency Centers, no issue is too big or small. If you are experiencing dental pain that warrants emergency care, our qualified team of board-certified emergency doctors are ready and willing to help. Still wondering when to visit an emergency room for dental care? Don’t wait—visit a Village Emergency Center location near you! What will the ER do for a tooth infection?Dental Treatment in the Emergency Room
In the case of bacterial infections, they can provide antibiotics and will arrange for transfer to the hospital if necessary. They can also treat broken, dislodged, or fractured teeth and help to control severe pain.
When should I go to the ER for a tooth infection?The patient should seek emergency help if the infection has become so painful and cannot be managed with over-the-counter medication. If the patient has developed a fever, has chills, is vomiting, or exhibiting other symptoms of having a dental abscess.
Can ER check for tooth infection?An emergency room is the only facility that has the necessary equipment and personnel to handle the abscessed tooth and contain any widespread infection. Here, a CT scan can be done to establish the spread of the infection in addition to one being taken to the operating room to undergo oral incision and drainage.
Can the ER help with an abscessed tooth?If it's something where the pain is so severe, you just cannot get it under control, you can come to the ER. Just keep in mind we won't be able to do a whole lot more than maybe put you on some antibiotics to cool down that infection in your tooth, get you some pain medication, get you feeling a little better.
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