Dental Danger: Who Do I Call in Case of Emergency?

Everyone knows that you can’t anticipate when an urgent situation will occur, and unfortunately, the same is true for dental emergencies. You could sustain an injury, lose a restoration, or develop a sudden toothache at any moment. It’s natural to want to head to the nearest ER any time you’re dealing with some medical issue, but many patients wonder whether that’s true for their mouths, too. The truth is that it’s often better to reach out to your dentist instead.

If something has happened and you need to find the right help fast, continue reading to learn why you’d probably be better off contacting your oral care provider first!

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency

Sometimes, things happen, and it can be hard to know whether they merit immediate attention. If you have an oral issue caused by a traumatic injury, like a blow to the face, or an underlying dental problem that causes pain, you need to be seen as soon as possible.

Some common emergencies are:

• A severe or persistent toothache.
• A cracked or chipped tooth.
• A partially or fully knocked-out tooth.
• An abscess or infection.
• A lost or damaged restoration.
• Soft tissue injury like a torn lip or lacerated gum.

If you’re not sure whether you need to see your dentist right away, err on the side of caution and call them so they can schedule you for an appropriate appointment time. If they deem it an emergency, they’ll likely try to get you in the same day.

Why Shouldn’t I Head to the ER for a Dental Emergency?

You can potentially get some relief if you visit an urgent care center, but most don’t have the facilities or training to accurately identify the extent of your dental damage and provide suitable solutions. If you’re in pain, they may be able to alleviate it but would likely need to refer you back to your dentist to remedy the problem.

That said, some conditions are better handled by ER doctors, so you should get to the closest location if you experience:

• Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop or slow down.
• Intense pain.
• A severe laceration.
• Trauma to facial bones.
• Difficulty swallowing.
• Injury that impacts your jaw’s functionality.
• Infection accompanied by fever and chills.

When your health is on the line, it’s important to get the right help quickly. Time is of the essence, and knowing who to call in case of an emergency can save your smile!

About the Practice

At Pace Dental of Vienna, patients benefit from two highly qualified dentists who offer a full range of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including emergency care. They take their time to get to know you and your unique dental goals and concerns so that they can offer effective, individualized solutions if an issue arises. Their friendly staff goes out of their way to help you feel relaxed and comfortable, regardless of the reason you’re there. If you’re in an urgent situation, they also offer same-day appointments so that you don’t have to wait for relief. If you’re having an emergency and need help, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (703) 705-7476.