What is Emergency Dentistry?
Do you have a severe toothache? Do you have swelling? Need an urgent dental appointment? Emergency dentistry is the branch of dentistry concerned with the treatment of dental emergencies. A dental emergency is a dental problem that requires timely attention from a dentist. Paul Karpovich, DDS, which is located in Timonium, MD, offers a full range of dental services, including emergency care.
What is a Dental Emergency?
Any dental problem that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth is considered a dental emergency. Common dental emergencies include severe infection, gum abscesses, broken teeth, knocked out teeth, loose teeth, and tissue injuries. Oral injuries are often very painful and should be treated by a dental practitioner as soon as possible.
What Isn’t a Dental Emergency?
If your dental problem can wait a couple of days, you don’t need urgent dental care. In some cases, problems that seem critical are less serious than people think. For instance, if a chipped tooth doesn’t hurt, you can wait to see your dental provider during office hours. You also won’t need emergency treatment for a toothache, as long as the pain is not severe and you don’t have swelling of the face, an abscess, or a high fever.
Why is Emergency Care Important?
When you have a dental emergency, immediate treatment in Timonium, MD, can prevent long-term problems. Prompt emergency dental care can save teeth, while reducing the risk of serious infections that can have long-term consequences. Urgent dental care can also relieve severe pain, so patients can continue to meet their family and work responsibilities.
Why Shouldn’t I Just go to the ER?
The emergency room is ideal for life threatening, medical emergencies. Emergencies that are not life threatening but need immediate attention can be handled by your emergency dentist. Hospitals do not have the right expertise or equipment to restore or save teeth. Urgent dental care is also an affordable alternative to emergency rooms, which tend to charge exorbitant fees and can only offer limited care.
When a dental emergency happens, it's important to get the right care immediately. Call Paul Karpovich, DDS at (410) 628-6070 today to schedule a same-day dental appointment in Timonium, MD, or to ask any questions about emergency dentistry. Our world-class dentist handles all types of dental emergencies and will get you out of pain fast!