A dental emergency can be a scary reality for young patients. Children and teenagers who suffer from a knocked-out tooth, nagging toothache, or busted lip need timely treatment; however, before you load them up in the car and take them to the closest ER, consider why it might be better to see a trusted emergency dentist instead. Read on to learn why it’s best to entrust their smile to dental experts instead of spending countless hours in a local emergency room.
ER vs. Emergency Dentist: Which One is Best?
When your child is faced with a dental injury, it can be natural to assume that the ER is the best place for them to receive treatment. In some cases, this is true. For example, if your little one has a broken or fractured jaw, is experiencing excessive bleeding, or is having difficulty breathing because of increased swelling, they should receive immediate medical attention.
However, all other dental emergencies can be evaluated and treated by a trusted dental professional, and here are a few reasons why:
- Your child will spend less time in the dentist’s office than they would in the ER. With long wait times, you and your little one could face hours in the waiting area of your local emergency room, whereas a dentist can quickly see them and begin administering treatment to help them out of pain.
- ER professionals can only treat immediate symptoms, not the underlying problem. By law, it is actually illegal for anyone other than a licensed dentist to administer dental treatment.
- The cost of your child’s treatment is likely to be much less expensive than if you visit the ER. Dental insurance often covers one emergency exam each year and depending on your plan, you may avoid paying anywhere from 50-80% of the total cost.
What Kinds of Dental Emergencies Warrant a Visit to the Dentist?
Children of all ages are prone to falling and other injuries. While most of these situations result in skinned knees or scraped elbows, some can be more serious, especially those that occur within the mouth.
Should your child suffer from one of the following injuries, don’t hesitate to contact an emergency dentist for help:
- Cracked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Knocked-out tooth
- Lacerated lips, gums, or tongue
- Lost dental filling or crown
- Jaw pain
- Loose permanent tooth
If you want to make sure that your child gets back on their feet quickly, don’t waste your time taking them to a local ER. Instead, let an emergency dentist take care of the problem so that your little one’s smile can feel like new.
About the Author
Dr. Adriana Rosato is a board-certified pediatric dentist who completed her advanced specialty training at Loma Linda University Pediatric residency program. Treating young patients of all ages, she understands that accidents can happen, especially among children and teenagers who are always on the go. Offering timely solutions to curb pain and restore damaged smiles, she and the team at Newpark Mall Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics offer comprehensive care that leads to effective and efficient results. If your child is suffering from a dental injury, contact us at (510) 796-8888.