If you’re in the middle of handling a dental injury – whether it’s a severe crack in your enamel or a completely knocked-out tooth – you might be wondering what you should do next. Should you go to the ER? Should you call your dentist? Read on to learn the answer!
So, Should You Go to the ER for a Dental Emergency?
If your tooth was knocked out during a sports-related injury, your dental crown is loose, or you’re experiencing abnormal dental symptoms, like pain when biting down, you should not go to the ER. The reason why is simple: they don’t typically have dentists on-staff. As a result, the most they can do is alleviate your pain in the short term and refer you to your dental team. So, if you want to save time and money, your first call should be to your dentist.
An Important Exception
There is an important exception, however. If you are experiencing any potentially life-threatening symptoms, like trouble breathing or difficulty swallowing, you should call 911 or head to the ER right away. We also recommend doing so if you suspect your jaw is broken, there is a severe laceration on your face, or you’re bleeding uncontrollably.
5 Keys to Preventing Dental Emergencies
Accidents happen. When they do, you can turn to your dentist or the ER for help. That said, there are a few proactive measures you can take to protect your smile from harm, including:
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Brushing and flossing consistently
- Scheduling a dental checkup and cleaning twice a year
- Keeping sugary and starchy foods to a minimum
- Breaking bad habits, like smoking
About the Practice
From biannual checkups to emergency exams, our team at Legacy Dental is here to help our patients with all of their dental needs. So, if you are struggling with a painful toothache, bleeding gums, or any other warning signs of trouble, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our website or by phone at (306) 763-7841. We offer prompt appointments, we provide sedation dentistry for nervous patients, and we welcome dental insurance, so the entire process will be as smooth and stress-free as possible.