Dentist vs. Emergency Room for Dental Pain

If you’ve thought of going to the hospital not long after a dental emergency occurs, you’re not alone. Many patients assume that’s the best place to go, but is it really? Our Brighton, MI, emergency dentists can handle a wide range of common problems that an ER may not be equipped to treat and vice versa. Knowing the right destination can help you when it’s crunch time and help is needed fast.

Here’s what you should know about dental emergencies before getting in the car.

What Can Turn Into a Dental Emergency?

Dental trauma can be defined as any situation involving your mouth that requires immediate attention to reduce serious pain, stop uncontrolled bleeding, and save teeth. Common examples include severe toothache, knocked-out teeth, significant gum bleeding, or infection. Identifying the nature and severity of the incident is crucial in determining the right place for treatment.

You should see our emergency dentists if you have:

Persistent, unbearable tooth pain suggesting an abscess or other serious issues.
A deep crack in a tooth that’s causing significant pain.
A tooth that’s been dislodged as immediate care can potentially save it.
Tongue, gum, lip, or cheek injuries that won’t stop bleeding
Swelling or signs of infection such as fever, foul taste, or difficulty swallowing.

At our Brighton, MI, dental office, our team specializes in treating all of the above and can address such urgent needs effectively using root canals, tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, tooth extraction, and more. Keep in mind that less urgent issues such as a small crack or chip is not necessarily something that needs to be solved right away with urgent dental care and can wait a day or so.

When the Emergency Room Makes Sense

While most dental problems are best managed by our local emergency dentists, certain conditions do warrant a visit to the ER, especially when they pose a broader health threat. While you’re always welcome inside our office when urgent needs arise, we wouldn’t want for you to arrive and be better treated by an oral maxillofacial surgeon.

Situations that require ER care include:

Jaw fractures or major trauma involving facial bones.
Lacerations of the mouth that cause bleeding that does not stop after 15-20 minutes of applying pressure.
Severe infections resulting in swelling that impedes breathing or swallowing.

Hospitals have the necessary facilities to handle these life-threatening conditions, which are sometimes beyond the scope of what we can manage. It’s vital to recognize these scenarios and act swiftly to ensure the best possible outcome.

Selecting the Right Provider for Your Dental Emergency

Ultimately, the decision between seeing a dentist or ER depends on the nature of the emergency. Here are a few guidelines to help you make an informed decision:

Assess the severity and type of injury: If it’s localized to the teeth or gums, our emergency dentists are usually the most suitable option.
Consider the symptoms: Symptoms like extreme pain, swelling, or signs of infection are urgent but often do not require ER intervention unless they are life-threatening.
Check availability: Many offices, like ours, offer emergency dental services, and visiting can save you time and resources compared to the ER.

Understanding these guidelines can ensure you get timely and appropriate care, minimizing long-term damage and maximizing recovery.

Get the Help You Need ASAP

Our emergency dentists in Brighton, MI, can always help direct you where you need to go for the best treatment. If you’re experiencing sudden dental pain, call Schaefer Dental Group today at (810) 229-2126 or for less urgent situations, request an appointment online.