You’ve been diligently watching all the news about the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of that, you’re already not in a good mood, but then, out of the blue, an intense pain shoots through one of your teeth. You take some ibuprofen, but even that doesn’t seem to help. Should you call your emergency dentist in Fargo? Or are you better off going to the emergency room? Here is why it’s much better to contact your dentist instead of going to the ER.
Why Should You Visit Your Dentist Instead of the ER?
There are many reasons why it’s more beneficial to see your dentist instead of an emergency room doctor, including:
- Because emergency rooms are more populated with people with various health conditions than your dentist’s waiting room, you are more likely to catch other people’s germs in the ER. That could include the coronavirus.
- Hospitals and emergency rooms are already (or rapidly on their way to becoming) overloaded with COVID-19 cases. Sometimes, they won’t have room in their building or time in their schedule to see you quickly enough.
- Believe it or not, most dentists are still open for taking emergency patients during these times.
- While the staff at the emergency room are medical professionals, they don’t have the kind of necessary specialized training to deal with specific dental emergencies, unlike your dentist.
When Should You Go to the Hospital?
Certain medical cases require that you visit the hospital instead of the dentist. That includes when you have severe swelling that obstructs your airway, intense bleeding that doesn’t stop after 15 minutes, or a dislocated or broken jaw. These cases are often considered life-threatening and should be addressed by a doctor at a hospital as soon as possible.
What If Your Dentist’s Office Is Closed?
If your dentist is closed, it’s perfectly fine to go to the ER, but only as a last resort. Before you go, make sure to call your dentist and leave a voicemail detailing your condition and telling them you’re visiting the ER. That way the office can get back to you as soon as they open again.
Oftentimes, the staff at the ER will be able to prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to treat your immediate problem. However, just because you’re no longer in pain doesn’t mean you don’t need to see your emergency dentist in Fargo. You should still come into your dentist’s office when it reopens to determine whether you need additional treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Stacy Goodwill has more than 20 years of experience working in the dental field, ever since she graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry. She is a Fellow in the International Dental Implant Association, so she can place and restore dental implants herself. Her practice, Cornerstone Dental in Fargo, ND, will do their utmost to get you in for an appointment if you contact them with a dental emergency. For urgent dental care right when you need it, contact Cornerstone Dental at (701) 237-3583.