Dental crises can strike when we don’t expect them—a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, or a hurting infection leaves us questioning where to go for assistance. At such times, most of us wonder: Do we visit the ER or a dentist?
Although the emergency room may relieve pain temporarily with pain management and antibiotics, it’s not often set up to deal with true dental work. ER physicians don’t typically receive the specialized education or equipment to perform procedures like extractions, root canals, or surgery.
This is why turning to an oral surgeon or an emergency dentist is typically the most advisable course of action. Experts in dental emergency care in Morristown and similar locations can lend proper assistance when we need it most. Having an idea where to turn in the event of a dental crisis can spare us time, money, and unwanted pain.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
Although it is not always necessary to manage all oral health issues promptly, some require immediate intervention to avoid grave consequences.
- A Significant Tooth Discomfort: An abscess or infection can cause a nagging, throbbing toothache that medications do not help.
- Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Teeth—A tooth that has been knocked out entirely requires immediate care. If we’re prompt, an emergency dentist can reattach it.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth—Broken or cracked teeth expose sensitive nerves and can lead to infection, so urgent care is necessary.
- Excessive Bleeding—Any uncontrolled bleeding from the gums, tongue, or within the mouth after trauma should be checked by a dental professional.
- Facial Swelling or Infection (Abscess) – An inflamed face, pus-filled swelling, or fever can be a sign of a life-threatening infection that can spread if not treated.
Getting early treatment for these emergencies will avoid complications, alleviate pain, and improve the possibility of saving injured teeth. Knowing how to manage these conditions can make a big difference, as explained in The Top 5 Most Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them.
When Should You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies are generally best treated by an oral surgeon or a dentist, but the ER is safest in some instances. When we’re experiencing any of the following, immediate medical treatment is warranted:
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: When a mouth injury continues to bleed after we apply pressure, it means we require emergency treatment. Heavy perfusion is harmful and should be treated immediately.
- Extreme Swelling That Affects Inhaling or Swallowing: Infection-related swelling can be life-threatening if it closes our airways. If we are having trouble breathing or swallowing, we should go to the emergency room.
- Facial Trauma with Broken Bones or Deep Cuts: Accidents involving breaks or deep cuts need to be addressed immediately. The ER can stabilize the injury and refer us to a maxillofacial surgeon for additional treatment.
- Severe Swelling That Interferes with Breathing or Swallowing: Swelling due to infection can be fatal if it obstructs our airways. If we are experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing, we need to visit the emergency room.
Although the ER will assist with antibiotics and pain control, they rarely do dental emergency care in Morristown or anywhere else. In most situations, seeing the top oral and maxillofacial surgeons in the USA ensures adequate treatment and follow-up.
When to See an Emergency Dentist or Oral Surgeon Instead of the ER
While the ER is for serious emergencies, any other dental issues are best handled by an oral surgeon or dentist. Unlike hospitals, they also provide definitive treatment, not temporary relief.
Following are some of the times that a visit to a dental specialist is the optimal choice:
Tooth Abscesses: Tender swelling can be an indication of infection that requires draining and treating immediately.
Knocked-Out or Broken Teeth: A fractured tooth should receive immediate treatment to save it.
Missing Fillings or Crowns: Exposed teeth are not always painful but are more likely to be damaged further if they remain untreated.
Injuries of the Soft Tissue Within the Mouth: Gashes or injuries on the gums, cheeks, or tongue may require stitches or be treated specially by a dental specialist.
Most individuals think an ER visit is the best course of action, but the hospitals usually do not have the facilities for dental procedures. They may instead administer painkillers or antibiotics to the patient without solving the real problem. That’s why going to a dental office first is generally the best thing to do.
Ridge Oral Surgery has improved techniques in place to successfully treat these circumstances. In most circumstances, seeing an oral surgeon saves time and money and ensures proper treatment from the outset. This article illustrates why emergency rooms aren’t always the ideal location to go for dental emergencies.
What Happens If You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?
Going to the ER for a dental emergency may be the most appealing solution, particularly when pain or swelling becomes intolerable. Yet it is worth knowing what ER physicians can and cannot do for dental problems.
What the ER Can Do:
- Administer pain medication
- Give antibiotics if infection exists
- Repair bad facial swelling that impinges on breathing
What the ER Cannot Do:
- Extraction of teeth
- Do root canals
- Restore fillings or crowns lost
- Do permanent procedures to fix pain
Most emergency room visits for dental problems conclude with a referral to an oral surgeon or emergency dentist, resulting in additional expenses and visits. Because ER visits tend to cost more than urgent dental visits, phoning a dental office first saves both money and time. For a more effective solution: Obtaining immediate treatment from an emergency dentist or oral surgeon provides effective treatment instead of mere relief. For additional information on treating dental emergencies, visit our dental emergencies page.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency Before Seeking Care
Understanding what to do within the initial few minutes of a dental emergency can mean a huge difference in saving our teeth and alleviating pain until we get professional help. Following are some instant steps to follow for common emergencies:
- Knocked-Out Tooth: If a tooth is knocked out entirely, hold it by the crown (the top), not the root. Place it in milk or saliva and go to a dentist within one hour for the best possibility of saving it.
- Severe Toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain medication, and steer clear of very hot or cold foods until you visit a dentist.
- Broken or Cracked Tooth: Use a cold compress to minimize swelling and do not chew on the broken side.
- Bleeding: Apply clean gauze or a tea bag over the area firmly to slow down the bleeding. If it still won’t stop after 10 minutes, immediately get medical care.
Having a dental emergency plan can enable us to respond quickly when a sudden situation occurs.
Emergency Dental Care at Ridge Oral Surgery
When there’s a dental emergency, it’s all about getting the right care promptly. At Ridge Oral Surgery, we provide master-level emergency care for conditions like tooth extraction, infection, and dental trauma—something the ER cannot provide.
Instead of just getting a referral and pain relief from the hospital, we can be provided definitive care by skilled oral surgeons who specialize in treating emergent dental problems. If it is a broken tooth, an abscess, or a knocked-out tooth, we have access to the appropriate care when we need it.
Furthermore, with after-hours and same-day visits, we do not need to wait for too long for care. Knowing we have an established emergency oral surgeon nearby assures dental crises.
Conclusion
Not every dental emergency involves a trip to the emergency room. Though hospitals can ease pain, their staff usually are not equipped for specialized dental procedures. In all but the worst situations, the emergency oral surgeon or dentist will be the better option for a speedy and satisfactory resolution.
Ridge Oral Surgery offers top-quality treatment of tooth extractions, infections, and dental trauma, with the option of a same-day visit for emergency appointments. When faced with a dental emergency, placing an initial call to a competent specialist guarantees prompt provision of correct care without incurring unnecessary wait time. You may browse through our entire selection of services for dealing with critical and complicated dental situations.
We believe that being prepared for emergencies makes all the difference. Learn more about why having a dental emergency plan is essential from this trusted health resource.