When to See an Emergency Dentist vs. Going to the ER
No matter how many precautions a person may take to prevent them, accidents and injuries are a part of life. People often go to the emergency room for treatment of sudden physical injuries. If injuries affect the teeth or oral tissues, visiting an emergency dentist may be more appropriate than visiting the emergency room. Determining when to see an emergency dentist vs. going to the ER is vital to getting the most effective care for injuries.
The dentists from Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, which serves Bloomington, IL, and Champaign, IL, are happy to offer emergency dental services. We treat a comprehensive range of dental emergencies, but some patients may require more extensive medical care. Here, we discuss the factors to consider when determining whether to have an injury treated by an emergency dentist or ER staff.
When to Head to the ER
Emergency dentists have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to handle most dental emergencies. Unfortunately, accidents that result in oral injuries may cause additional injuries. An emergency room visit may be necessary if an accident or incident causes extensive facial trauma, head injuries, or catastrophic physical injuries. If the following issues are present, individuals should head to an ER:
- Severe lacerations, puncture wounds, or other damage to facial tissues
- Broken bones
- Headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or other potential concussion symptoms
- Physical injuries that are more pronounced than oral injuries
When to See an Emergency Dentist
An emergency dentist can treat most injuries to the teeth or oral tissues. When injuries occur, people often wonder whether or not immediate dental treatment is necessary. Treating dental emergencies is vital to preventing more advanced dental complications. Oral injuries that are considered “dental emergencies” include:
- Excessive bleeding of oral tissues
- Infection (often accompanied by inflammation and pain)
- Chipped, broken, or dislocated teeth
- An oral abscess (often accompanied by inflammation and pain)
- Loss of a dental crown or other dental restoration
Our emergency dental team treats these issues to manage symptoms, restore oral functions, and relieve our Bloomington patients of oral pain. If a patient contacts our dental practice and reports symptoms that cannot be treated in our dental practice, we will advise them to visit an emergency room.
What If an Emergency Dentist Is Not Available?
Emergency dentists are often on-call 24 hours a day to treat dental emergencies. However, there could still be times when an emergency dentist is not available to see a patient. In these situations, it may be appropriate to visit an emergency room. Emergency room personnel often cannot treat the underlying conditions associated with a dental emergency, but they can manage pain, inflammation, and other symptoms until the patient can see a dentist.
Message Our Staff
At Wyse Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, our dental team offers a comprehensive range of dental services, including emergency dental care. If you are experiencing oral trauma that you believe requires emergency dental care, you must schedule an appointment as soon as possible. To get in touch with our dental staff, call (309) 663-6393 or send us a message online.
