Do you currently have the mother of all toothaches? Did you break part of your tooth off when biting down too hard on a popcorn kernel? Whatever your dental emergency may be, it’s time to seek medical attention. Should you call your emergency dentist in Moses Lake? Or it is more advisable to head straight to the emergency room? Keep reading to learn why it’s much better to see your dentist during a time like this.
Why Should You See a Dentist Instead of an ER Doctor?
There are many reasons why you’re significantly better off contacting your dentist instead of going to the ER in the event of a dental emergency. These reasons include:
- Most hospitals don’t have a dentist on hand. As a result, they usually don’t have the training and equipment required to treat specific dental problems like a knocked-out tooth. At best, they can write you a prescription of antibiotics or painkillers, but this is no substitute for actual dental treatment.
- At the emergency room, there is a much higher risk of your being exposed to germs, which includes the coronavirus. Patients may be there in the waiting room and transmit the disease to you without even realizing it. Dental offices, on the other hand, are closed for non-emergency patients, greatly minimizing your risk of catching any disease.
- Emergency rooms are rapidly on their way to becoming overloaded with patients who have COVID-19 symptoms. More than ever, you’ll be looking at long wait times. Meanwhile, your dentist in Moses Lake is only treating dental emergencies, so you can rest assured that you’ll be seen in a timely manner.
Should You Ever Go to the ER for a Dental Problem?
Believe it or not, there are a few circumstances where it’s actually advisable to see an ER doctor instead of a dentist for an oral health problem, such as:
- If you’re bleeding profusely from the mouth even after applying firm pressure for more than 15 minutes
- If you suspect your jaw is broken or dislocated
- If you are experiencing severe swelling that is obstructing your airway or impairing your ability to swallow
You can also go to the emergency room as a last resort, such as if you knocked out a tooth and your regular dentist won’t be open soon. When you knock out a tooth, you have only an hour or so to get it re-implanted before the tooth begins to die. In a pinch, an ER doctor may be able to reattach it temporarily, at least until your dentist opens again.
In most cases, it’s recommended that you see your emergency dentist instead of traveling to the ER for an urgent dental problem. However, if your dental emergency is considered life-threatening, going to the emergency room may be your best bet. When in doubt, contact your emergency dentist in Moses Lake.
About the Author
Dr. Craig Harder has been a dentist in Moses Lake, WA for more than 20 years. His specialties are minor orthodontics (he is a certified Invisalign provider) and esthetics. However, he does also offer emergency care, especially now that the coronavirus has taken over our lives. If you find yourself experiencing a dental emergency, contact Dr. Harder’s office by calling (509) 765-4351.