If your tooth was knocked out, cracked, or in pain, where would you turn for help? Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can sometimes make all the difference between losing and saving a tooth. That’s why it’s essential that you know where to go for urgent smile care before you need it. Read on to find out why you should avoid the ER and call your Kaufman emergency dentist instead to save your smile.
Why Should I Skip the ER for a Dental Emergency?
While an emergency room is designed to handle most pressing health concerns, it could cost you more time, money, and grief when it comes to treating urgent dental issues. If you have a dental emergency, you should call your Kaufman dentist instead because:
- An ER visit will cost more: One trip to the emergency room could cost as much as several years of regularly scheduled dental checkups. What’s more, you’ll likely still have to visit your dentist for treatment after getting your ER bill.
- You may get faster relief from your dentist: ERs are a catch-all for all manner of health emergencies. However, your dentist is only handling issues pertaining to the mouth. They will likely be able to see you much sooner than a busy ER medical professional.
- Only a dentist can perform dentistry: Most ERs are not equipped with an on-staff dentist, so they will only be able to provide temporary pain relief. Your dentist is trained, experienced, and prepared to help you overcome any dental emergency and treat the underlying cause.
What’s the Best Way to Handle Dental Emergencies?
Whenever you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your mouth, your first step should be to call your dentist. They can assess your situation over the phone, provide first aid instructions, and schedule your emergency appointment. Until you can reach their office, they may instruct you to:
- Keep a knocked-out tooth in a glass of milk.
- Cover a cracked tooth or lost filling with dental wax or sugarless gum.
- Apply a cold compress to ease swelling or gauze to stop bleeding.
- Treat pain by flossing and rinsing with warm saltwater.
- Use an over-the-counter painkiller like Ibuprofen for additional relief.
When Should I Go to the ER?
However, there are a few occasions when you should go to your local ER for emergency dental care. For example, a broken jaw or severe facial trauma should be treated at your local emergency room before you go to your dentist. Similarly, if you have a long-lasting toothache that is accompanied by fever, fatigue, or other signs of a serious infection, you should seek emergency care right away. A severe dental infection can also cause swelling in the face, jaw, or neck, and requires immediate emergency care, especially if you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing.
Thankfully, most dental emergencies can be prevented with caution and great oral hygiene. However, accidents still happen, and you or a loved one may suddenly need urgent dental care. Knowing where to go can help you stay calm, act correctly, and get the assistance you need right away!
About the Practice
Whether you’re coming in for a routine cleaning or emergency dental treatment, our talented team at Texas Dentistry goes above and beyond to ensure your visit is a positive one. Our highly trained dental professionals have years of experience handling all manner of dental emergencies. They have invested in the most advanced dental technology and are proud to offer sedation dentistry to ensure your treatment is as quick, efficient and comfortable as possible. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at (972) 932-3918.