Finding an Emergency Dentist Near Me
***If you have an emergency that requires immediate attention, call 911.***
kingwood Dental emergencies happen at the most inconvenient times! Whether you have suffered an accident or simply woke up with a toothache, being able to get treated quickly is always important and can make a difference between losing a tooth and saving it!
Before going to a new dentist, call your current dentist first as most offices reserve time in their schedule for emergencies only and there’s a good chance your regular dentist will be able to see you quickly.
Where to Find Emergency Dental Care
For patients who do not yet have a regular dentist, friends and family are a great way to find emergency help. Alternately, an internet search is very likely to yield many good options in a short amount of time!
When your tooth has experienced a trauma, it is important to get to the dentist as quickly as you possibly can. The dentist will exam the area and probably need to take an x-ray. Radiation exposure from dental x-rays is extremely minimal so if you were a patient that does not like having x-rays taken, keep in mind that your dentist will not be able to assess the tooth in full to give you a proper diagnosis. With proper x-rays, your dentist will be able to identify an abscess, infection, or even a fractured tooth and be able to treat you correctly.
When should you go to the emergency room versus a dental office?
For trauma to the mouth or jaw, it is really best to see a dentist if you are able. Hospitals are amazing but may not be equipped to provide the specialized care that your dentist can. Most hospitals do you have a dentist on staff but you will likely be given a prescription for antibiotics and pain medication to address and relieve the immediate symptoms instead of getting to the root of the problem.
How do I schedule an emergency dental appointment?
Since most offices keep emergency time blocked off on their schedule, your dentist will likely be able to see you the same day and probably would want to see you on the same day your trauma occurred before any further damage can be done. If you do not need immediate assistance and do not need to go to the emergency room, it is best to reach out to your dentist first.
If your dentist evaluates the problem area and determines that you have an infection, they may refer you out to a specialist where you will be able to receive the best care possible. A lot of tooth pain can be resolved with root canal therapy which is done by an endodontist. Your dentist likely has an endodontist that they trust and work with all the time. If you are referred out, let the dental office help you make an appointment. Sometimes they can get you in more quickly than if you call on your own.
Additionally, sinus infections can cause a great amount of tooth pain. If your dentist suspects this might be your problem, they may refer you to an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist or even your general practitioner to treat the infection.
Use your best judgment to determine if you need an emergency room or a dentist.
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