Emergencies can be frightening, or at the very least, stressful. It's easy to panic, making it difficult to think clearly. You frantically try to figure out where to go to get treatment for yourself or a loved one, but you’re not sure what to do. Do you call your dentist or rush to an urgent care facility?
When deciding what medical treatment is best, the nature of the emergency is the biggest factor. In this article you will learn what to do in specific dental emergencies and where to seek prompt, effective care.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate attention. Common dental emergencies include:
- Severe toothache. Tooth pain that persists, throbs, or makes it difficult to concentrate or sleep.
- Broken tooth. A significant fracture, more than just a small chip.
- Knocked out tooth. A tooth that is knocked completely out of the socket.
- Soft tissue injuries. Cuts to the lips, cheek, tongue, or other oral tissues that are deep or bleeding uncontrollably.
- Infections. Swelling or abscesses (pimple-like bumps) that are signs of infection.
These situations require immediate treatment. Contact your dentist first, even if it is after regular office hours. If your dentist does not offer after-hours care for emergencies, find one that does. R. Renan Williams DDS provides 24 hour care, 7 days a week. Call our emergency number for treatment after hours: 817-239-6358.
When Urgent Care Might Be the Right Choice
In some situations, visiting an urgent care center might be the best option, such as:
- Facial trauma. Injuries to the face that don’t affect the teeth in any way.
- Uncontrolled bleeding. When bleeding won’t stop after applying pressure for 10-15 minutes.
- Dental office is closed. If you are unable to find a dental office that is available after hours.
- Non-dental emergencies. For any urgent medical need that is unrelated to dental.
When to Go to the Hospital Emergency Room or Call 911
If the emergency becomes life threatening, call 911 or proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Signs of a life-threatening emergency include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe uncontrolled bleeding
- Loss of consciousness
Emergency Dental Care vs. Urgent Care: Key Differences
The main difference between visiting an emergency dentist and an urgent care center is the level of expertise. If your emergency is dental-related, you will receive more specialized treatment from a dentist. While an urgent care facility is trained to address your immediate concern with prompt care, you may still need to visit your dentist for follow-up treatment. Dentists are equipped to diagnose and treat the root cause of dental problems, while urgent care may only provide temporary relief like pain management or antibiotics.
Where Should You Go First for Fast, Effective Treatment?
If you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, call R. Renan Williams, DDS immediately. During regular office hours call 817-281-4801 and we will make arrangements to see you as soon as possible. After hours please call 817-239-6358 and follow the voicemail instructions to leave a message and someone from our office will contact you shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dental Care
Can urgent care fix a toothache?
Urgent care can provide temporary relief but cannot treat the underlying dental issue, making a dentist visit necessary. It is typically best to see an emergency dentist in this case.
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, rinse it off if necessary and place it back in the socket. Bite down on some sterile gauze. If you are unable to get the tooth back in the socket, place it in a cup of milk or saliva, or use a tooth preservation kit. Contact us as soon as possible. The longer the tooth remains out of your mouth, the lower the chances of saving it.
Is a broken tooth considered a dental emergency?
A broken or cracked tooth can be an emergency, especially if there is pain, sharp edges, or exposed nerves, and should be evaluated by a dentist quickly.
Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
Emergency rooms can address severe symptoms like infection or swelling but typically do not provide definitive dental treatment. And the ER will treat patients in order of urgency, meaning you could wait a while to be seen for a dental emergency.
What are signs of a dental infection that need immediate care?
An infection is typically indicated by symptoms like swelling, fever, a bad taste in the mouth, or pain when biting down. A dental infection requires prompt treatment to prevent it from spreading.
At R. Renan Williams, DDS, we are committed to providing compassionate, reliable dental care for patients in North Richland Hills and surrounding communities. Our team is here to help you navigate dental emergencies with confidence and get the treatment you need quickly. If you are experiencing a dental issue, don’t wait to seek care. Call 817-281-4801 or contact us right away.