Patients who are dealing with severe dental issues may think they should go to the ER for emergency dental care. This, however, is often ill-advised, as it may not be helpful in providing the proper treatments needed and can result in other problems arising.
The following are a couple of reasons why patients should not go to an emergency room to try to receive dental care.
Emergency room doctors are often unable to provide much help for patients who are in need of emergency dental care. A dentist is the only professional who has the training to perform procedures such as pulling teeth or filling cavities. It is highly unlikely for an emergency room to have a dentist available on call. ER physicians are only able to prescribe painkillers to temporarily numb the pain and antibiotics to treat any infection that may be present. Neither of these solutions are a permanent fix to an emergent issue.
Many patients are unable to afford insurance and therefore cannot go to the dentist for routine cleanings and exams. This can result in those with issues such as pain, abscesses, severe toothaches and bleeding gums to ignore the problem and forego immediate dental care until it eventually becomes a serious and unbearable emergency. A visit to the emergency room is extraordinarily costly and typically results in a large bill and a referral to a dentist for treatment. A dental visit would typically cost less than a visit to an ER and allow for more targeted treatment of the problem.
There are a few simple solutions for patients to follow to avoid emergency dental issues. Patients should practice proper dental hygiene procedures, such as brushing and flossing teeth twice a day, to preclude any complications from arising. Preventative care is also important; regular exams can catch dental problems quickly to stop them from turning into emergencies.
Patients should never ignore any pain. It is the body’s way of saying something is wrong, and ignoring such an issue can cause additional problems and more pain in the future. Those who are experiencing tooth or gum pain should contact a dentist as soon as possible. Waiting for too long can result in further issues that are likely to require more involved treatments.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dental Care in San Francisco, CA.
For many oral-health related issues, going to an emergency room for dental care is not advisable. Due to issues such as high costs and limited treatment options, patients needing emergency dental care should instead schedule a visit with a dentist as soon as possible. It is also important for patients to avoid the need for emergency care by practicing proper oral hygiene as well as scheduling routine exams. Preventative care can help avoid a lot of pain and dental issues as well as save a considerable amount of time and money.
Request an appointment or call Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry at 415-362-1102 for an appointment in our San Francisco office.
Adult Braces - Gregory Zabek Dentistry Or maybe you’ve always wanted a straighter smile but thought it was too late? The good news is that it’s never too late to improve your smile! At Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe that everyone deserves to have a beautiful, confident smile — regardless of…
Smoking and Oral Health | Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry We all know that smoking cigarettes is bad for your overall health — but did you know it also has a big impact on your smile? At Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry, we believe in sharing honest information while offering real…
Tooth Sensitivity Relief | Gregory Zabek DDS | San Francisco Dentist If you feel a sharp pain when you eat ice cream or sip hot coffee, you’re not alone. Teeth sensitivity is a very common problem — and the good news is, it’s treatable! At Gregory Zabek Advanced General & Cosmetic Dentistry in San Francisco,…