Why emergency rooms aren’t designed for most dental emergencies

Emergency rooms (ERs) are not designed to handle most dental emergencies, as they primarily stabilize life-threatening conditions and lack the specialized training and equipment needed to address dental issues.

In the US, there are approximately 2 million emergency department visits for dental pain annually, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). If you’ve ever had severe tooth pain at night, chances are the closest ER seemed like the best option for immediate care. It typically is if your dental problem becomes a medical emergency.

However, urgent dental problems such as cavities, broken teeth, or lost fillings require specialized treatment that ERs are not equipped to handle. An emergency physician will likely prescribe medication to manage the pain, which will not resolve the root cause of the problem. 

Why Emergency Rooms Aren’t Equipped for Dental Emergencies

The primary role of a hospital emergency department is to treat medical emergencies. Their main focus is:

• Stabilizing life-threatening conditions
• Managing serious trauma
• Protecting breathing, circulation, and overall health

If you require emergency dental treatment, you may want to consider going to an urgent dental care facility, as an ER may not be equipped to handle it due to:

Limited Specialized Dental Treatment

ER physicians are trained to treat critical medical cases, not dental issues. They may not fully understand the complexities of dental emergencies because they lack specialized training. Many of these issues require procedures typically performed in a dentist’s office. 

Insufficient Dental Tools

Once you are evaluated at the ER to rule out more dangerous complications, you will most likely be prescribed medication for dental pain relief. A standard ER lacks the tools a dentist will normally use to diagnose and treat the source of pain, such as:

• Dental imaging
• Restorative materials
• Extraction equipment

Additionally, ERs do not typically offer restorative dental procedures. 

Extended Wait Times

ERs prioritize patients based on the severity of their case. When an oral health crisis occurs, if your issue isn’t critical, your wait is likely to be extended. You will have to endure unnecessary pain and anxiety, and if you only receive pain relief, you will likely require repeat visits to the ER until the source of the problem is resolved.    

Finding the Right Care

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. You can plan before they actually happen. To find the right care:

• Research dentists in your area and identify a reputable one, and ensure they offer extended hours
• Keep their contact information accessible
• Verify that your insurance covers dental emergency services

Braddock Family Dental provides emergency dental care in Fairfax, VA, including same-day treatment.

When the ER Is the Right Choice for a Dental Issue

Knowing where to go for dental emergencies can help ensure you get prompt, effective care. Go to the ER if you have:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe facial trauma
• Rapid facial or neck swelling

These can indicate serious underlying illness. 

Receiving Proper Care During a Dental Crisis

Preparing for dental emergencies can ensure you get proper care. Have the contact information for a reputable dentist accessible. If a dental crisis occurs, note your symptoms to determine whether to go to the ER or a dentist.

Listen in to our Community Conversations to learn more about services available in the Richmond area.