What to Do in a Dental Emergency
In case of a dental emergency, remember that an emergency dentist is just a phone call away. Many dentists offering emergency services are available 24/7 to treat walk-in and last-minute patients who require immediate care.
Gresham Advanced Dentistry in Gresham and the surrounding area provides emergency dental care. It is recommended to contact our office first in case of a dental emergency. However, if the issue occurs at night, over the weekend, or on a holiday, and you feel the need to go to the emergency room, carefully assess the severity of the problem before making a decision.
Dental emergencies can happen at any time, so if you experience one, call Gresham Advanced Dentistry at (503) 661-2828 for immediate treatment.
When To Go Straight to the ER
When a Patient Experiences Trauma to the Face
In the event of a blow to the face or accident causing damage to teeth, an emergency dentist can help. However, if the incident results in extensive facial trauma like broken bones or puncture wounds, it is advisable to seek medical care first. Emergency dentists can restore oral health, but they may not be able to perform complex medical procedures like setting broken bones or stitching up lacerations.
When an Emergency Dentist Is Unavailable
In the event of a dental emergency not covered above, if an emergency dentist is not accessible, the patient should go to the hospital. While ER staff may not be able to address the root issue, they can assist in managing pain and symptoms until an emergency dentist can be seen.
"There are actually very few dental-related concerns for which patients should head immediately to their hospital’s ER department."
When To Call a Local Emergency Dentist First
In most cases of oral health emergencies, it is recommended that patients contact their emergency dentists before going to the ER. Dental professionals can help manage symptoms, treat underlying conditions, and prevent them from worsening. If unsure about what constitutes a dental emergency versus a non-urgent issue, the ADA offers guidance. According to the ADA, a dental emergency is defined by specific criteria. Learn more about dental emergencies here.
- Bleeding that will not stop
- Infection accompanied by swelling or pain
- Painful swelling around or in the mouth, with or without infection
- Chipped, broken, or dislocated teeth
- Abscess with localized pain and swelling and no signs of complications
- Loss of a permanent or temporary restoration
Immediate care may be needed for issues such as broken, irritating, or malfunctioning dentures; oral sutures; and bent or broken orthodontic appliances or wires, but they are not considered emergencies.
" In addition to helping patients manage symptoms, dental professionals can treat underlying conditions and ensure they do not grow worse."
What Emergency Dental Treatment Entails
Emergency dental treatment varies for each individual, as no two dental issues are identical. However, there are certain procedures that emergency dentists commonly perform. Some examples include:
- Tooth extraction
- Tooth replacement (placing a knocked-out tooth back in the socket)
- Filling or crown replacement
- Tooth restoration
An emergency dentist's office will clean the mouth and affected area, take X-rays, and focus on managing pain and infection, no matter the reason for the patient's visit.
