How to Find an Emergency Dentist
Large numbers of Americans visit hospital emergency departments for dental care as shown by the American Dental Association (ADA). This study shows that 40.8% of visits are considered non-urgent or semi-urgent. Additionally 37.9 % are considered after hours. That's 78.7% of dental visits to hospitals. They could be treated in a dental office.
These numbers show that all these visits can usually be fixed quicker and at lower cost by an emergency dentist office. It is not necessary to visit a hospital's emergency department.
Have a dental issue and are not sure if it is a dental emergency? The following will point out which type of dental care you need and how to locate an emergency dentist.
If you have a health emergency or are having any difficulty breathing then call 911 or go to the hospital.
For urgent dental situations contact a 24 Hour Dentist near you. Or even a pediatric dentist, sedation dentist, Walk in Dentist Near You or Sunday Dentist Near You. For root canal issues contact an Endodontist Near You or an Oral Surgeon Near You.
Common Dental Emergencies
Dental emergencies are defined as dental problems that need immediate treatment from a dentist. The ADA states that tooth injuries including a chipped tooth, cracked tooth or a knocked out tooth, are common dental emergencies.
Tooth abscesses are to be sure another common reason for visits. These are infections under the gums that can get worse beneath untreated cavities. According to Mayo Clinic an abscess may be an emergency.
Clearly tooth abscesses are serious. They can cause a severe toothache, facial swelling, difficulty swallowing or breathing. Generally all of these conditions require immediate care. And indeed low cost dental care is available.
Soft tissue injuries that may be considered a dental emergency include a bitten lip or tongue. If this happens, the ADA recommends cleaning the injured area gently with warm water and then apply a cold compress.
If bleeding persists and does not stop, you certainly must seek treatment immediately.
Non-Emergency Dental Problems
It’s difficult for a patient to tell which dental problems will be considered an emergency. For instance a simple cavity or even a cavity in a front tooth does not require a trip to the hospital.
However, that same cavity could lead to a complication such as an abscess or other serious condition. So it is important to schedule an appointment with a qualified dentist ASAP.
Other dental conditions that may require immediate help are bruxism, severe canker sore, root canal or any infection.
Of course if you have a health emergency call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
Avoid a trip to the emergency department by contacting emergency dental care.