It is impossible to predict when you might need emergency dental services. Read on to learn how to prepare and best handle an emergency dental situation. The best way to take care of a dental emergency is to seek evaluation and consultation from a dental professional. Addressing dental issues sooner is typically recommended. Dental Emergencies can include severe toothache, swelling, cracked tooth, lost tooth, infection and more.

You might wonder where you can receive services for dental emergencies. Some people visit the Emergency Rooms(ER) or Urgent Care for dental emergencies but that is usually not the best option as ERs are often not equipped to best take care of dental emergencies, have long wait times, and are more costly. Dentists are doctors of the oral cavity (mouth) and are knowledgeable in treating dental emergencies. 

Did you know? ER visits related to dental health cost $1.7 billion annually to the healthcare system. 

Now let’s take a closer  look into the most common dental emergencies. 

Emergency Dental Services: What Are They?

As the name suggests, emergency dental services are treatments in urgent situations. Dental professionals assess the cause of the problem and then provide treatment accordingly. These services are designed for immediate relief and prevent further damage. Sometimes further treatment is needed but an emergency visit is the first step in getting care for yourself and your teeth. They can help you in the following situations.

• If your tooth gets knocked out.
• In case of severe toothache.
• Cracked or Broken Teeth.
• To control infections.
• If your filling is broken or lost.
• If your wisdom tooth causes pain or discomfort.

These services can help you get the dental care you need on time.

Why Choose Emergency Dental Services?

There are a few reasons for you to choose these services. Some of those reasons are explained below.

These Are Cost Effective

You have two options in case of a dental emergency: the ER/Urgent care or an emergency dental clinic. Sometimes people that have not visited a dentist in many years are not sure of what dentist to call for emergency dental treatment so they visit an ER to get help. What they don’t know is that the ER will cost them about three times more. 

The cost of a visit to the ER for a dental issue ranges from $400 – $1500. While it only ranges between $90 and $400 for a visit to a dental office or dental clinic for emergency dental services.

Timely Treatment

When you are experiencing a dental emergency it is best not to wait. When seeking care for dental emergencies a dental office can usually see you the same day for evaluation. Unlike ERs, emergency dental offices/clinics won’t leave you waiting for hours. 

Unlike the ER, the clinic only treats patients with dental issues. This makes it easier for you to get timely treatment which is very crucial for your oral health. 

Let’s look at an example of  why timely treatment is important. A person suffers dental trauma and a tooth is knocked out. The next steps are critical to have a chance at saving the tooth. You would gently handle the tooth and avoid touching the root and only hold the tooth from the crown(part you can typically see). Put the tooth in milk OR if you feel capable, ideally gently rinse it with saline water and put it back in the socket. Call an emergency dentist immediately to get treatment. At the office the dentist can ensure the tooth is promptly placed back in the site and splint it to the neighbor teeth for stability and monitor for healing or next steps. If actions are not taken to immediately address this dental emergency the tooth will be lost and tooth replacement options will need to be considered.

Prevents Pain

If you’ve ever experienced pain caused by an infection in the gums or from a tooth, you know it is a feeling you would want to take care of quickly. 

Emergency dental services provide effective treatment and can help manage the pain. Dentists do this by finding the cause and then treating the source of the pain.

Tooth Decay

It is not advised to ignore a toothache as it is a sign of an existing problem that needs professional attention. If you feel like your toothache is not being managed by over the counter(OTC) painkillers, visit an emergency dental clinic. A toothache can be a sign of tooth decay. Once a tooth has decay (cavities) it will not go away on its own and the sooner you get the tooth cleaned and treated by a dentist the greater your chances at saving/keeping your tooth. Sometimes toothaches go away, but it is still recommended that you visit a dentist as infection can persist. 

Emergency Dental Services can help treat tooth decay if you seek dental care right away. Regular visits to the dentist can help you avoid situations like this as your dental team will help keep your teeth in a healthy condition and alert you of areas of concern so that you can take action before it advances. 

Summary

Emergencies happen and it is impossible to figure out when you might need emergency dental services.The more you know the better you can prepare yourself if you find yourself in a dental emergency. Seek professional dental care if you are experiencing a dental emergency.

Disclaimer: this content is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for informed dental recommendations from a dental professional.