While it might seem like a logical idea to visit the emergency room if you are experiencing severe tooth pain, you might not find the answers you are looking for there. Essentially, emergency rooms are not usually equipped with the tools necessary to treat a dental problem. In addition, the staff is not likely trained in the processes involved with dental care.
If you are experiencing a moderate to severe dental issue, whether it is a chipped tooth, intense swelling of the gums, pain resulting from a previous dental procedure or other tooth-related problems, it is best to visit your dentist instead. If it happens to be late at night or your dental office is closed, then look for an urgent care clinic that specializes in dental emergencies. If, for whatever reason, there are no emergency dental clinics in your area, or none that you can get to in your condition, then you will need to wait until your dental office is open.
However, if any teeth-related issues have resulted in swelling of the face or neck, making it difficult for you to breath, then that is the moment when you should visit the emergency room. Problems that prevent you from getting enough air are concerns that an emergency room can handle. As well, if you have had an accident that has resulted in a fractured or dislocated jaw or serious cuts to both the face and mouth, then those will require a visit to the emergency room. For potentially life-threatening dental problems, do not hesitate to call 911 or go to your local emergency room as soon as possible. For more information on what can and cannot be treated in an ER, contact your dentist and talk to them about what to do in case of an emergency.
