Even though we think it’ll never happen to us, a dental emergency can pop up at any time. Maybe you tripped and fell on the sidewalk, breaking off a piece of your tooth as you collided with the pavement. Maybe you’re suffering through a toothache so intense that it’s keeping you up at night. You might be unsure whether you should see your dentist or head straight to the hospital to get this problem sorted. Keep reading to learn when you should go to the ER and when you should leave your care in the hands of dental professionals.
When to Go to the Hospital
In most cases, you should only go to the ER for a dental emergency if your situation is also life-threatening. Dental emergencies that require immediate medical care include:
- Fractured jaw
- Dislocated jaw
- Serious cuts to the mouth or face
- Infection resulting in swelling that impairs your ability to breathe or swallow
Only in these extreme situations should you visit the ER instead of your dentist’s office. For all other problems relating to your mouth, the dentist is the best person to see.
Why Seeing Your Dentist Should Be Your First Option
There are a few reasons why you should leave a dental emergency in the hands of your dentist. For one, emergency room visits can be much more expensive than dental appointments. In addition, ER doctors are often unable to treat the root cause of the emergency, so they’ll typically refer you to a dentist anyway. Cut out the middleman and save yourself time and money by just calling your dentist first.
Another reason is that in most states, it’s actually illegal for someone who is not a dentist to perform dentistry. Most emergency rooms don’t have a dentist on staff. Even a highly trained ER doctor isn’t qualified to fill a cavity, extract a damaged tooth, or perform any kind of restorative dental care. At best, they might be able to prescribe antibiotics or pain medication, but they usually can’t address the underlying cause of the emergency. Again, you’ll save yourself time and money by contacting your dentist straight away.
Sometimes a dental emergency can seem so serious that you might think your only option is to see an ER doctor. More often than not, though, you’re much better off calling your dentist instead.
About the Author
Dr. Tommy Murph has been a dentist in the Conway, SC community for more than 25 years. Since earning his doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina, he has completed more than 600 hours of continuing education courses in subjects like orthodontics and dental implants. His practice offers same-day appointments for dental emergencies, and is even open on Saturdays for added convenience. If you find yourself with a dental emergency, contact Dr. Murph’s office at (843) 488-4357.