Emergencies involving dental health can be distressing and frequently call for prompt care.
Knowing where to turn is essential, whether you have a terrible toothache, a fractured tooth, or unexpected gum swelling. The difference between an emergency dentist and a general dentist becomes crucial at this point. Although taking care of your oral health is the goal of both specialists, their jobs and methods are very different.
Emergency dentists are experts at treating dental emergencies that cannot wait for a routine visit. Regular dentists, on the other hand, concentrate on long-term dental health, preventive care, and routine care. When a dental emergency arises, being aware of the differences might help you make the best decision. To make sure you’re ready for anything, we’ll go over the main distinctions between an emergency dentist and a general dentist in this post.
1. Dental Emergencies Can Be Handled By Emergency Dentists around the clock.
Dental emergencies can be excruciating and frightening, regardless of whether you have misplaced a filling or chipped your tooth. Fortunately, an emergency dentist can help you get the care you require around the clock every day of the week. Emergency dentistry clinics may typically see patients the same day they call.
It’s crucial to remember that not every dental issue is an emergency. For instance, it’s advisable to make an appointment with your usual dentist during regular office hours if you have a common toothache. However, you should get emergency dental care right away if you have an abscessed tooth or a severe toothache accompanied by fever, swelling, and jaw pain.
The dentist will promptly diagnose the issue and administer the necessary care once you arrive at the facility. This usually entails numbing the damaged tooth and carrying out a straightforward operation to clean it or fix any damage. Even though dental emergencies can be frightening, getting prompt care from a trained specialist will help guarantee a full and speedy recovery.
2. General dentists may not be available on the weekends or after hours
Generally speaking, general dentists have established office hours and might not be accessible on the weekends or after hours. Their families and other obligations outside of work are the reason for this. On the other hand, some general dentists are open on weekends or have longer hours. You should phone the dentist’s office to check whether they are available if you need to see them on the weekend or after hours. If you have a dental emergency, you might also want to find out if the dentist has an emergency number you can call.
3. Emergency dentists can treat toothaches, chipped teeth, and other dental issues
If you have a dental emergency, you should see a dentist right away. Toothaches, chipped teeth, and other dental issues are treatable by emergency dentists. They can also assist you if your dentures are broken or you have lost a tooth.
If you have a really bad toothache, you might need to see an emergency dentist right away. Tooth decay, damage, or infection can all result in severe toothaches. An emergency dentist can assist in fixing a chipped tooth. An emergency dentist can provide you with a substitute tooth if you’ve lost one.
If your dentures break, emergency dentists can also assist you. They can modify your current dentures or make new ones for you. Make an appointment by calling in advance if you need to visit a dentist in an emergency. Doing this lets you be sure the dentist will be there when you need them.
4. General dentists can provide routine dental procedures
The majority of people are aware of what a general dentist does. Regular dental procedures like fillings and extractions, as well as preventive care like cleanings and examinations, can be performed by general dentists. Furthermore, more complicated dental issues can be identified and treated by general dentists.
However, a lot of people are unaware that regular dentists can also offer a variety of specialist treatments. For instance, some general dentists give orthodontic therapy, while others could do oral surgery or treat periodontal disease. Therefore, it’s critical to pick a general dentist who can accommodate all of your needs. Your unique demands and tastes must be taken into account when looking for the best dentist.
Are you trying to find someone that provides a variety of services? Or are you trying to find a dentist with a certain area of expertise? You can focus your search and locate the ideal dentist for you after taking your needs into account.
5. Compared to general dentists, emergency dentists may charge more
In comparison to normal dentists, emergency dentists could bill extra. The primary cause is that emergency dentists may have greater overhead costs and because emergency dental care is frequently required on short notice. Furthermore, emergency dental care typically necessitates specialized tools and knowledge, which raises the price.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that emergency dental care is usually only necessary in situations involving extreme pain or injury. For less serious dental issues, it is usually advisable to make an appointment with a regular dentist. Although emergency dental care might be costly, it is frequently worth the cost to prevent additional discomfort or harm.
6. General dentists can recommend you to an emergency dentist
Calling your dentist and making an appointment is the best course of action if you have a dental emergency during regular business hours. However, if you have a dental emergency after hours, your alternatives can be more constrained. In addition to charging more for nighttime or weekend appointments, many dentists do not provide after-hours services.
Your best option might be to go to the emergency department if you are unable to get in touch with your dentist or do not have one. Although most emergency rooms are not prepared to deal with dental emergencies, they can relieve pain and direct you to a nearby dentist who is open after hours. They could even offer basic dental care on-site in some situations. Therefore, don’t be afraid to attend your local emergency room if you require dental care after hours.
In the end!
While normal dentists concentrate on preserving general dental health, emergency dentists respond promptly to acute problems and offer relief in dire circumstances. Knowing their different duties will help you get the correct care when you need it. You can reduce stress during emergencies and efficiently protect your dental health by being knowledgeable.
Ultimately, consider Belmont Dental as your emergency dentist. Serving Hamilton, New Jersey, and Mercer County, Belmont Dental offers top-tier cosmetic and family dental care for patients of all ages. Their modern facility combines comfort and technology, featuring digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and advanced tools for accurate dental impressions to provide exceptional, patient-focused care.
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