
Can the ER Remove a Bad Tooth? What Happens in an Emergency?
Dental emergencies hurt and are stressful, and most of the time, individuals are unsure whether they should run to the emergency room (ER) for assistance. If one has a traumatic toothache, a chipped tooth, or an infection, they may be inclined to go to the ER in search of quick relief.
However, can the ER extract a rotten tooth? Let’s see what is done in the case of a dental emergency and why you should go to a dentist such as Paragon Dental.
Can the ER Pull an Awful Tooth?
The short answer is no—the ER does not usually pull teeth. Emergency rooms are geared to treat Modesto dentist emergencies, including trauma, extreme infections, or uncontrolled bleeding, but they don’t have the equipment and trained personnel to remove teeth. Here’s what the ER can do in an emergency dental situation:
Pain Relief: If you have a terrible toothache, the ER can give painkillers to help ease it temporarily.
Prevention of Infection: They may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the spread of an abscess or a severe infection.
Stopping the Bleeding: If you have suffered a severe oral injury, they can stop the bleeding and, if required, apply stitches.
However, dental treatments such as root canals and extractions cannot be performed in the emergency room. For the long-term fix, you will still have to go to a trusted dentist, such as Paragon Dental.
When Should You Head to the Emergency Room?
While dental care in the emergency room is not what you want, there are specific situations where you need to visit the hospital right away:
Serious Face Swelling: A spreading infection of your neck, face, or jaw is potentially deadly and must receive attention immediately.
Uncontrollable Bleeding: If you have had trauma to the mouth and the bleeding will not subside, go to the ER.
High Fever and Infection Signs: If you have a fever, chills, or shortness of breath from a dental abscess, get emergency treatment immediately.
Severe Jaw or Mouth Trauma: The emergency room should be your first stop if you believe you have suffered a severe injury, such as a broken jaw, in an accident.
How to Respond to a Dental Emergency
Here’s what to do if your tooth hurts and you need immediate care:
Evaluate the circumstances: Determine if you can wait to see a dentist or if you need medical attention at the emergency room.
Control the Pain: Swish with warm saltwater and take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Control Swelling: For relief from discomfort and swelling in your cheek, use a cold compress.
Call a Dentist: Schedule an emergency session with a dentist, like Paragon Dental, if your situation needs immediate attention. Emergency appointments are offered at most dental clinics.
Don’t Make Things Worse: Use of heat to an injured region or trying to pull the tooth yourself may worsen the situation.
Reasons for Seeing an Emergency Dentist Instead
An emergency dentist is your best choice for tooth emergencies. In contrast to the ER, an emergency dental office has the right tools and staff to:
- Remove a severely broken or infected tooth.
- Do a root canal to salvage the tooth.
- Heal gum infections and abscesses.
- Fix broken or knocked-out teeth.
To ensure immediate relief and proper treatment, most dental clinics, including Paragon Dental, provide same-day or next-day emergency appointments.
Avoiding Dental Emergencies
Although some dental emergencies cannot be avoided, most can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. These are some tips for keeping your teeth safe:
- To avoid infection and cavities, brush and floss daily.
- Don’t eat anything hard that may chip your teeth.
- When playing contact sports, wear a mouthguard.
To catch issues early, have regular check-ups with a dentist such as Paragon Dental.
Conclusion
The ER is not the best place to go for a dental emergency unless you have severe trauma, bleeding, or swelling. While the ER will provide temporary relief, they will not pull a bad tooth or perform any major dental procedures. The best choice is to visit an emergency dentist such as Paragon Dental to receive proper care as soon as possible.
For immediate help in the case of an emergency or intense dental pain, call a reliable dentist.