When a dental emergency hits, it is important to know where to go to access the right care. An emergency dentist is often the right provider, although life-threatening emergencies require a trip to the emergency room. Learning when to go to the emergency dentist versus the emergency room can save you time, money, and discomfort. More importantly, making the right choice supports better health outcomes.
Like any emergency, those of a dental nature can happen suddenly and without warning. They often cause significant discomfort and require immediate attention, as they range from dental trauma to uncomfortable infections varying in severity. The most common dental emergencies include severe toothaches, cracked or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost fillings or crowns, dental abscesses, and soft tissue injuries in the mouth (such as to the gums, lips, or tongue). A true emergency typically involves pain, bleeding, swelling, or functional impairment, such as difficulty chewing or speaking.
Not all dental concerns are emergencies, but when pain is intense, bleeding cannot be controlled, or there is visible damage to the teeth or surrounding structures, visiting an emergency room (ER) is necessary. Ignoring these symptoms may result in further complications, including permanent damage or the spread of infection.
Taking the right steps immediately after a dental emergency can help preserve oral health and improve the chances of a successful outcome. Rinsing the mouth with warm water, applying a cold compress to reduce swelling, and preserving any knocked-out teeth or broken fragments can be helpful before heading to the emergency dentist’s office. If bleeding is present, applying gentle pressure with gauze or a clean cloth may help control it. Seeking care as soon as possible ensures that the underlying issue is treated appropriately and complications are minimized.
An emergency dentist is a general dentist trained to handle urgent dental concerns that do not necessarily warrant a hospital visit. These providers focus on relieving pain, addressing injuries, and stabilizing oral structures until full treatment can be completed. Situations that call for care from an emergency dentist include:
These treatments not only address immediate discomfort but also help prevent more serious issues from developing. Follow-up appointments with a general dentist can then ensure the emergency care was effective.
The emergency room is the appropriate choice when a dental emergency involves serious trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of systemic infection. Examples include facial fractures, deep lacerations, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or high fever with swelling that affects the neck or face. Hospital staff can provide pain management, stabilize injuries, and coordinate follow-up care with a general dentist.
However, most dental emergencies are better handled by an emergency dentist equipped with the tools and expertise specific to oral health issues. Visiting the ER for non-life-threatening dental problems may result in delayed care and higher costs without definitive treatment.
As mentioned, many general dentists also serve as emergency dentists, offering urgent care appointments during regular office hours and in some cases, after hours or on weekends. These providers are experienced in diagnosing and managing dental emergencies using advanced diagnostic tools and same-day treatments.
To prepare for a dental emergency, it is helpful to identify a local dentist who offers emergency services and keep their contact information readily available. Knowing where to go ahead of time can reduce stress and speed up the response during an urgent situation. Dental practices that provide emergency care often set aside time in their daily schedule to accommodate urgent cases. This allows patients to receive timely treatment for unexpected issues without waiting for a standard appointment.
Whether you need to see an emergency dentist now or are looking for one to be prepared, contact McCarthy Dentistry. We provide emergency dental care to patients in Marietta and the surrounding communities. Call us for more information.
Request an appointment here: https://www.mytotaldentistry.com or call McCarthy Dentistry at (740) 546-5178 for an appointment in our Marietta office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Marietta, OH.
Wondering whether you should see an emergency dentist for a cracked tooth? Read on to find out. A cracked tooth can lead to discomfort and become a frightening situation, especially if the crack happens suddenly as a result of dental trauma. When this occurs, it is important to contact an emergency dentist to determine if…
You might need an emergency dentist if you are dealing with an unexpected dental issue or injury that requires immediate treatment like a knocked-out tooth, unbearable toothache, or infected tooth. Waiting a couple of weeks for a dental appointment does not cut it in these situations.An emergency dentist can help you navigate around unforeseen dental…
When accidents happen that affect the mouth and teeth, most people visit an emergency dentist to have a broken or missing tooth repaired; however, these dentists are also capable of handling problems that stem from periodontal issues. While gum disease usually progresses slowly, it can cause emergency situations, and knowing when to visit a clinic…
If you have a toothache causing terrible pain, you may need to visit the emergency dentist. Minor toothaches can be adequately controlled with home treatments and over-the-counter toothache solutions, so you may not need to see an emergency dentist.When dealing with a toothache, the underlying reason and symptoms indicate whether emergency dental treatment is necessary.…
Preventative dental care is essential for your oral health. If you have never been to the dentist, it can be hard to know what to do. Let's go over some of the best practices for diet and nutrition that you need to keep your teeth healthy and strong, so that not only are they easier…
Tooth enamel protects your teeth from harmful pressure, which means ensuring it is in great shape should be a routine in your preventative dental care. If not properly taken care of, the enamel can erode and make your teeth more susceptible to things like breaking, cracking, or chipping. Ultimately, this can be very painful and…