When Do You Need an Emergency Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon?

Dental emergencies can strike at any time and knowing where to turn for help is crucial. While an emergency dentist can handle many urgent dental issues, there are times when you may need the expertise of an oral surgeon. Understanding the difference between these two roles can help you make informed decisions and get the appropriate care during a dental crisis.

Common Emergencies Handled by an Emergency Dentist

An emergency dentist is typically your first point of contact when experiencing urgent dental issues. Some common situations where an emergency dentist can provide immediate care include:

• Severe Toothaches: Whether caused by decay, infection, or injury, an emergency dentist can identify the root cause and provide treatment to alleviate the pain.
• Cracked or Chipped Teeth: Accidents or biting down on hard objects can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, which an emergency dentist can often repair with bonding or crowns.
• Lost Fillings or Crowns: Losing a filling or crown can cause discomfort and expose your tooth to further damage. An emergency dentist can replace these restorations to prevent additional issues.
• Knocked-Out Teeth: If a tooth is knocked out due to trauma, getting to an emergency dentist quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth.

In these cases, an emergency dentist can handle the situation quickly and provide effective relief.

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When an Oral Surgeon Is Needed

While emergency dentists are equipped to handle many dental emergencies, there are instances where an oral surgeon’s expertise is required for more complex procedures. Here are a few situations where an oral surgeon may be necessary:

• Impacted Wisdom Teeth: When wisdom teeth do not emerge properly and become impacted, they can cause pain, swelling, and infection. An oral surgeon is often needed to remove impacted wisdom teeth through a surgical procedure.
• Severe Trauma or Facial Injuries: Dental trauma that results in broken jaws, fractured facial bones, or teeth embedded in soft tissues may require an oral surgeon’s specialized skills.
• Infections and Abscesses: While an emergency dentist can treat some infections, deep-rooted infections that spread to the jaw or sinuses may require surgical intervention to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue.
• Surgical Tooth Extractions: Sometimes, tooth extractions are more complex due to the tooth’s positioning or root structure. Oral surgeons are trained to perform these extractions safely.

In these cases, your emergency dentist may refer you to an oral surgeon for a more specialized treatment approach.

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How to Know When to See an Emergency Dentist vs. Oral Surgeon

If you’re unsure whether you need an emergency dentist or an oral surgeon, start by assessing the severity of your symptoms. For sudden, sharp pain or common dental injuries like broken teeth, your emergency dentist can likely provide treatment. However, if your dental emergency involves severe trauma, impacted teeth, or ongoing infections, an oral surgeon may be the right choice.

In many cases, visiting your emergency dentist first is a good plan. They can provide immediate relief and determine if a referral to an oral surgeon is necessary.

Making the Right Decision for Your Dental Health

Knowing the difference between the services of an emergency dentist vs. oral surgeon can make a significant impact during a dental emergency. Whether you need quick treatment for a toothache or a more complex surgical procedure, understanding which professional to contact can help you get the care you need promptly.

If you’re ever in doubt, visiting an emergency dentist is a good starting point, and they can guide you to an oral surgeon if needed. If you do experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact New Era Dental in Ann Arbor for immediate care.