You want to save time and money, so you take your child to the emergency room for a dental problem. It’s a growing trend especially among parents, but you should generally avoid using the emergency room when dental problems occur. We understand you want your child to receive the best available care in the quickest manner possible. However, it is important to know the best place to seek out for dental issues is often our office.
How Common is it?
Over the past several years there has been a noticeable increase in the number of patients admitted to the emergency room because of a dental issue. The American Dental Association estimates that emergency room visits for dental issues occur roughly every 15 seconds, for a total of 2.2 million patients per year.
When You Should Visit the Emergency Room
If your child has a broken jaw or severe bleeding from the mouth, then an emergency room visit is in order. However, when it comes to severe discomfort from a toothache, broken teeth, or extensive decay, our dental office is a much better option to help treat you. Our office is equipped with a knowledgeable team that specializes in dental care. Our dentist also uses special tools that an emergency room would not be equipped with.
Why People Choose the Emergency Room Instead
When it comes to children, many parents take their kids to the emergency room because of insurance. You might think it will be easier and cheaper but the reality is often the opposite. Those lacking dental insurance seek out the hospital as a cheaper alternative, only instead to be billed excessively for what is likely considered a “non-emergency.” Also, emergency room wait times can often be extensive so it is usually not a quick alternative.
Our office works hard to ensure visitors receive excellent, affordable care in the quickest manner possible. Talk to us about your own situation so that we can reach a solution.
Regular Visits Are Your Best Defense
A visit to the emergency room is costly. Instead, your best defense in keeping a healthy mouth is by setting up regular visits to our office. Many who seek dental care in the emergency room do so because they neglected to act sooner, but our professional dental team can assist you. Tackling dental care early is your best defense.
When it comes to receiving dental care, our office has the knowledge and experience to best serve you. Our dentist has the necessary tools to treat patients. We strive to see our patients in a timely manner, so call our office to schedule your next visit.
If you have any questions about keeping your smile healthy, please contact our office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I take my child to the emergency room for a dental problem?
In most cases, the emergency room is not the best place for dental problems such as toothaches, broken teeth, or cavities. Emergency rooms are not equipped with specialized dental tools or dental professionals, so treatment is often limited to temporary pain relief. Visiting a dental office allows your child to receive proper diagnosis and definitive treatment faster and more effectively.
When is the emergency room appropriate for dental issues?
The emergency room should be used only for serious, life-threatening situations involving the mouth or jaw. These include severe facial trauma, a broken jaw, uncontrolled bleeding, or injuries that affect breathing. For dental pain, infections, or damaged teeth without major trauma, a dental office is typically the more appropriate and efficient choice.
Why do so many people go to the emergency room for dental care?
Many families choose the emergency room due to insurance concerns or the belief that it will be faster or cheaper. In reality, emergency room visits for dental issues often result in high bills and long wait times, with no permanent dental solution provided. This can lead to repeated visits and delayed proper treatment.
What happens if dental problems are treated too late?
Delaying dental care can cause minor issues like tooth decay or pain to develop into serious infections or extensive damage. When dental problems are ignored, they may eventually require emergency attention that could have been prevented with early treatment. Regular dental care helps catch problems early and reduces the need for urgent or costly interventions.
How can regular dental visits help avoid emergency situations?
Routine dental visits allow problems to be identified and treated before they become severe or painful. Preventive care such as cleanings, exams, and early intervention lowers the risk of infections, broken teeth, and dental emergencies. Consistent dental care is the most effective way to protect your child’s oral health and avoid unnecessary emergency room visits.
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