Emergency Dentist vs. Emergency Room Fort Pierce, FL
During a dental emergency, patients need immediate care. Prompt treatment can prevent permanent tooth loss or life-threatening complications. In addition, emergency dental care resolves issues like severe pain, heavy bleeding, and much more.
Emergency dentists are available at Fort Pierce Smiles in Fort Pierce and the surrounding area. Our team provides on-the-spot care to patients with urgent dental issues. We offer comprehensive follow-up care to protect your oral health. Call us at (772) 232-7073 to learn more.
When to Go Straight to the ER
Dental emergencies may occur after a fall or an accident. Patients should always seek urgent medical care following a serious car accident. According to Harvard Health, any injury that results in a blow to the head can be fatal. Keep in mind that head injuries can be difficult to detect. Patients may feel fine shortly after their accident, but they could have internal bleeding. Some head injuries can also trigger dangerous brain inflammation.
After an accident, patients may experience a rush of adrenaline. This stress hormone keeps one stable during an emergency, but it can also numb pain. Patients may not realize the extent of their injuries until the adrenaline wears off. By then, the medical problem may have worsened. The patient may be severely ill.
Patients should also visit the ER if they have heavy oral bleeding. Seek medical care right away if bleeding does not stop within a few minutes. Patients might also need urgent care if they suffer an injury while taking blood thinners. These prescription drugs can cause uncontrolled bleeding. A medical provider may need to intervene to prevent hemorrhage.
After a dental emergency, patients may try to contact their family dentist. But if it is after-hours, patients might be unable to reach the office team. If you experience severe pain or bleeding, do not wait until the dental office reopens. Instead, visit the ER for an immediate evaluation.
“Should I visit the ER after a dental emergency?”
Emergency Dental Appointments
If an emergency occurs during business hours, call the dental office for advice. Dental emergencies include:
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Dental pain
- Jaw injuries
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loose permanent teeth
- Oral bleeding
The office team can provide on-the-spot guidance. They can also arrange a same-day or next-day appointment. After an emergency, the team may ask the patient to visit the office as soon as possible.
Sometimes, patients might be tempted to delay their appointment. For example, they may be nervous about seeing a dentist or reluctant to reschedule an important meeting. But keep in mind that dental emergencies can worsen rapidly.
The human mouth is home to hundreds of species of bacteria. After an oral injury, bacteria can enter the bloodstream. They may travel to internal organs and cause life-threatening complications. Emergency treatment helps prevent or treat serious oral infections.
Untreated dental emergencies can also result in permanent tooth loss. Patients who delay treatment may need extensive reconstructive work. Prompt treatment resolves dental problems and protects your oral health. If you have a dental emergency, do not wait to seek care.
“What happens if I do not seek care after a dental emergency?”
What Emergency Dental Treatment Entails
Emergency dental treatment looks different for everyone, as no two dental issues are exactly the same. However, some occurrences are more common than others, which means there are certain treatments emergency dentists perform more often than others. Examples of frequently performed emergency dental procedures include:
- Tooth extraction
- Tooth replacement (placing a knocked-out tooth back in the socket)
- Filling or crown replacement
- Tooth restoration
Regardless of what brings a patient to an emergency dentist's office, dental teams typically thoroughly clean the mouth and around the affected area, take X-rays of the mouth, and focus on pain and infection management.
“There are certain treatments emergency dentists perform more often than others.”
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Oral Infections
If the patient has an abscess, the dentist must remove the source of the infection. Often, the dentist will perform a root canal. During these procedures, the dentist drills into the tooth and drains the pus. The dentist may also need to pull the tooth the clear the infection. Afterward, patients receive antibiotics to help clear up the infection.
Some patients may try to "wait out" their symptoms, but oral infections seldom clear up on their own. Instead, infections usually worsen and spread to other body parts. Untreated infections can result in life-threatening health problems.
Seek treatment right away if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Chills
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Foul taste in the mouth
- Inflamed lymph nodes
- Severe oral pain
- Swollen cheeks or jaw
“Untreated infections can result in life-threatening health problems.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What does an emergency dental treatment entail?
Q. Should I visit the ER after a dental emergency?
Q. What happens if I do not seek care after a dental emergency?
Q. How are oral infections treated?
Q. What kind of follow-up care will I receive?
People Also Ask
Q. What steps should happen after chipping a tooth?
Q. What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Q. Are pain and tenderness when touching the teeth or chewing a sign of a problem?
Q. What are the symptoms of a cracked tooth?
Q. What are some of the signs indicating a need for tooth extraction?
Follow-Up Care
After a dental emergency, patients can expect at least one follow-up visit. During this checkup, the dentist examines the patient's mouth. They may ask about the patient's symptoms and pain level. Sometimes, the dentist also performs an X-ray. Follow-up visits ensure that treatment was successful. If the patient needs further care, the dentist can adjust their treatment plan.
Some dental emergencies can take time to resolve. For example, a dentist may perform several procedures to repair damage caused by a severe injury or accident. If the emergency resulted in tooth loss, it might also take time to arrange for a replacement tooth. The dentist can provide further details about your treatment timeline.
“After a dental emergency, patients can expect at least one follow-up visit.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a dental emergency?
A. Dental emergencies may involve severe pain, heavy oral bleeding, or tooth damage. Sometimes, patients find it hard to determine whether they are experiencing an emergency. When in doubt, reach out to an emergency dentist or doctor for guidance. Always seek care for sudden or worsening tooth pain.
Q. What should I do if I need emergency dental care?
A. If you experience a dental emergency, call your dentist. The office team can determine whether you need to visit the ER. If the dentist can handle the problem in-office, the team can arrange a same-day appointment.
Q. What should I do if I cannot reach my dentist during a dental emergency?
A. If an emergency happens during evenings, weekends, or holidays, go straight to the ER. Do not wait until your dental office reopens. Delaying emergency dental care may result in life-threatening health complications or permanent tooth damage.
Q. What dental emergencies always require an ER visit?
A. Dental emergencies may occur after a head injury. If you suffer a blow to the head, visit the ER for a full exam. Head injuries may seem minor at first, but they can trigger internal bleeding or brain inflammation. See a doctor for a complete screening. Then contact your emergency dentist after you leave the hospital.
Q. What should I do if I have injured my gums, cheeks, or tongue?
A. First, stop the bleeding immediately. You may do so by applying light pressure to the injury site with a cold compress. Then, contact us right away.
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Dental Emergency Terminology
Call Fort Pierce Smiles in the Event of an Emergency
Dental emergencies can happen at any time. Know you can rely on our team when they do. Call (772) 232-7073 for the immediate care you need when one does.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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