Getting Emergency Oral Care in FL
What is the first move that you make when you are having trouble with your oral health? Typically, it is to schedule an appointment with your general dentist. However, what if you find yourself in the middle of an oral health emergency? This is when you seek out treatment provided by an emergency dentist in FL.
Unfortunately, emergency dentists are unable to handle all oral emergencies. There are some issues that require more specialized treatment by an oral surgeon. Of course, that may leave you wondering when you need an oral surgeon and when you need a general dentist.
Let's discuss which of the two options is best for your situation. Both emergency dentists and emergency oral surgeons have their place when it comes to your emergency oral needs. Knowing which one is right for you can help you make the right choice when it is time to seek emergency care.
Emergency Dentistry vs. Emergency Oral Surgery: What Is the Difference?
The first step is to clearly define when you should seek out an emergency dentist and when you should seek out an emergency oral surgeon.
Emergency Dentist
At their core, an emergency dentist is still just a general dentist. This means that they can help with certain dental emergencies but are not equipped to deal with most types of dental problems that require surgery. Typically, these dentists provide cleanings, oral exams, and fillings. Thus, their offices simply lack the equipment needed for more complex surgeries.
That being said, an emergency dentist can help you if you have a chipped tooth or you lose a filling. While these situations can be painful, they do not usually require any kind of special equipment to treat.
Also, keep in mind that an emergency dentist is still a great first choice. Even if the dentist cannot help you with your oral health problem, the staff can refer you to an oral surgeon. Oftentimes, oral surgeons require a referral, so visiting an emergency dentist might still be a necessary step.
Emergency Oral Surgeon
Emergency oral surgeons are better equipped to deal with more extreme dental emergencies. In general, they have received special training to handle these types of problems, and their offices have the equipment to do it.
What kind of issues does an emergency oral surgeon in FL treat? The most common reason people seek out an oral surgeon is for wisdom tooth removal, impacted teeth, or jaw issues. Also, emergency oral surgeons are professionals at dealing with oral problems that come about as a result of impact trauma.
Maxillofacial Trauma: What Is It?
One of the top reasons to seek out emergency oral surgery is to treat maxillofacial trauma. While this has a fancy name, it basically includes any kind of trauma that you receive to the jaw or face. This type of trauma can cause problems with your oral health. Usually, the damage that it causes is outside what a general dentist can treat.
What kind of oral health problems are typically caused by maxillofacial trauma? Well, the problems can vary greatly. They can include everything from a jaw fracture to a simple cracked tooth. Not all maxillofacial trauma requires an oral surgeon. After all, a general dentist can help you with a cracked tooth. However, when the damage causes significant trauma, such as a jaw fracture, you will have to see an oral surgeon.
How Can an Oral Surgeon Help During an Emergency?
Like emergency dentists, emergency oral surgeons can provide oral treatment quickly. Their offices are well equipped with the surgical tools needed to handle the vast majority of oral emergencies that you might run into.
The most common reasons why people seek emergency oral surgeons is for tooth extractions, impacted teeth, or jaw injuries. However, you can also count on an oral surgeon to help you with more serious issues, such as oral cancer.
When Should You Head for the ER?
Let's face it: not all emergencies are within the realm of a dentist or oral surgeon. Sometimes, the trauma you receive will require an emergency room visit. Let's discuss when you should skip calling the dentist and go straight to the ER.
The first thing to note is that, much like an emergency dentist, an emergency surgeon only provides treatment during normal operating hours. Thus, if you find yourself in extreme pain outside of normal business hours, you should call 911 or head to the ER.
Likewise, you should also go to the ER if your gums are extremely swollen after blunt force trauma or you are experiencing excessive gum bleeding. In general, any kind of blunt force trauma to the head probably requires a trip to the ER. That is because, beyond oral damage, this trauma can cause other issues. For example, you could be suffering from a concussion and not even know it.
After getting treatment at the ER, you will still want to call your general dentist. The office will be able to help you with tooth repair or replacement. The dentist will also be able to refer you to an oral surgeon if the damage is significant and requires specialized treatment.
Oral Surgery Services You Can Count On
Do you live in FL and find yourself in need of emergency oral surgery? If so, you have come to the right place. Our talented surgeons can provide the emergency care that you need. We strive to provide our clients with treatment they can count on at prices they can afford.
Our office is set up with state-of-the-art equipment to handle all of your oral health needs. This allows us to provide treatment quickly and cut down on the length of time you need to heal. Our surgeons will be with you every step of the way to make sure that you are comfortable with and well-informed about the treatment they are giving you.
Now is the time to deal with any oral health problems that might be causing you problems. Give us a call today, and let one of our friendly staff members set up an appointment for you.
