Emergency Inquiry: Who Should I Call for Help?

Proper preventative care strengthens your enamel and connective tissues so they’re more resistant to decay, disease, and other types of damage. However, there’s no guarantee you won’t have an emergency at some point. Many patients with urgent oral issues know they need to be seen quickly but are unsure where to get the right help.

If you’ve developed a problem in your teeth, gums, or jaw, you might wonder whether it’s better to head to an ER before seeing your dentist. Continue reading to learn what types of concerns constitute and emergency and what to do about them!

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

If you’ve developed a toothache or noticed a chip or crack in your enamel, you might question whether the situation is dire enough to warrant a same-day visit to your dentist. After all, there are many potential causes for issues like sore or injured teeth, and some require more immediate attention than others. For instance, sensitive teeth can be due to thinning enamel that requires a basic treatment, like topical fluoride or switching toothpaste. It can also be caused by receding gumlines from progressive periodontal problems that can potentially result in tooth loss.

Some examples of common dental emergencies include:

• Severe discomfort or a sharp sensation, especially when biting down.
• Cracked, chipped, or broken enamel.
• A partially or fully dislodged tooth.
• A damaged or lost restoration, like a tooth-colored filling or dental crown.
• Tooth abscess or infection.
• Soft tissue injury like a lacerated gum or busted lip.

When Should I Call My Dentist?

If you’re having an unexpected problem and need help fast, it’s usually best to contact your dentist first. Many offer same-day appointments in case of an emergency, so you don’t have to wait long to be seen. When it comes to oral issues, acting quickly often keeps the immediate concern from worsening to prevent more complex and costly repairs.  

Although ER doctors are incredibly skilled and can address specific mouth-related issues, they don’t have the same technology and expertise as your dentist. Thankfully, the latter has the correct equipment and specialized training to promptly identify oral problems and provide appropriate solutions.

When Should I Head to the ER?

That said, there are some circumstances in which it’s better to get to the closest emergency room right away. You should head there first if you:

• Have a broken or dislocated jaw.
• Show symptoms of severe infection like chills, high fever, pain, pus-like discharge, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Have a life-threatening injury or laceration causing uncontrollable bleeding.

If you’re still uncertain where to go, you can start by calling your dentist! They’ll book an appropriate appointment based on your circumstances or refer you to an appropriate physician.

About the Practice

At Rubal Dentistry Azle, you and your family benefit from a husband-and-wife dental duo with 20+ years of combined experience. Drs. Frank and Jodie Rubal provide a comprehensive array of services at one convenient location, including same-day emergency appointments. Their relaxing office environment is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to enhance patient comfort while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. If you have a problem and aren’t sure whether it needs immediate attention, you can contact the office on the website or call (817) 444-2585.