Why You Should Avoid the ER for Emergency Dental Care

Why You Should Avoid the ER for Emergency Dental Care from Core Dental Group and Implants Center in Quincy, MAPatients who are dealing with severe dental issues may think they should go to the ER for emergency dental care. This, however, is often ill-advised, as it may not be helpful in providing the proper treatments needed and can result in other problems arising.

Why emergency dental care isn’t a job for the emergency room

The following are a couple of reasons why patients should not go to an emergency room to try to receive dental care.

1. Limited treatment options

Emergency room doctors are often unable to provide much help for patients who are in need of emergency dental care. A dentist is the only professional who has the training to perform procedures such as pulling teeth or filling cavities. It is highly unlikely for an emergency room to have a dentist available on call. ER physicians are only able to prescribe painkillers to temporarily numb the pain and antibiotics to treat any infection that may be present. Neither of these solutions are a permanent fix to an emergent issue.

2. Astronomical costs

Many patients are unable to afford insurance and therefore cannot go to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams. This can result in those with issues such as pain, abscesses, severe toothaches and bleeding gums to ignore the problem and forego immediate dental care until it eventually becomes a serious and unbearable emergency. A visit to the emergency room is extraordinarily costly and typically results in a large bill and a referral to a dentist for treatment. A dental visit would typically cost less than a visit to an ER and allow for more targeted treatment of the problem.

How to avoid the need for emergency care

There are a few simple solutions for patients to follow to avoid emergency dental issues. Patients should practice proper dental hygiene procedures, such as brushing and flossing teeth twice a day, to preclude any complications from arising. Preventative care is also important; regular exams can catch dental problems quickly to stop them from turning into emergencies.

Patients should never ignore any pain. It is the body’s way of saying something is wrong, and ignoring such an issue can cause additional problems and more pain in the future. Those who are experiencing tooth or gum pain should contact a dentist as soon as possible. Waiting for too long can result in further issues that are likely to require more involved treatments.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dental Care in Quincy, MA.

Conclusion

For many oral-health related issues, going to an emergency room for dental care is not advisable. Due to issues such as high costs and limited treatment options, patients needing emergency dental care should instead schedule a visit with a dentist as soon as possible. It is also important for patients to avoid the need for emergency care by practicing proper oral hygiene as well as scheduling routine exams. Preventative care can help avoid a lot of pain and dental issues as well as save a considerable amount of time and money.

Request an appointment or call Core Dental Group and Implants Center at 617-822-3400 for an appointment in our Quincy office.

Related Posts

How Restorative Dentistry Can Transform Your Dental Health

Restorative dentistry treatments can change your smile and oral health dramatically. This dental subspecialty is particular because it allows patients to once again enjoy normal oral functions. The services deal with dental problems and help patients get back self-esteem and quality of life.The primary focus of a restorative dentist is the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment…

Same Day Dentistry For A Broken Tooth

A broken tooth can cause a variety of urgent problems, from severe pain to bleeding, that require same day dentistry. This issue can happen in a number of ways, from a bad fall to a car accident or a sports injury. A qualified dentist can repair a tooth without the need for multiple appointments. Learning…

What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

Has your dentist said that you need a full mouth reconstruction? The sound of this alone may be confusing or even scary. But, your oral health needs or cosmetic preferences may need that a reconstruction takes place. To ease your mind, you should learn everything you can about what this means and what the results…