If you have wondered if it’s ever a good idea to take your child to the emergency room for dental care, you are not alone: The American Dental Association estimates that every 15 seconds, someone goes to the ER for a dental emergency. That’s about 2.2 million patients per year.
We understand that you want your child to receive the best possible care in the quickest manner available. Other than the most serious issues, however, you can avoid ER visits for dental care.
When You Should Visit the Emergency Room
If your child has suffered a broken jaw or experiences severe bleeding from the mouth, do not hesitate to seek emergency care. However, when it comes to severe discomfort from a toothache, broken teeth, or extensive decay, our dental office is a much better option for treatment.
Our office is staffed with a knowledgeable team that treats emergencies like these. Our pediatric dentist in Washington, DC also uses special tools that an emergency room may not be equipped with.
Why People Choose the Emergency Room Instead of the Dentist
There are several reasons parents turn to the ER for dental issues. First, when a child is in pain, any loving parent wants to ease that pain as quickly as possible. They may act out of panic.
Second, some parents may not even think to call their family dentist for an emergency visit.
Finally, some families lack dental insurance and do not realize the potentially high cost of an emergency room visit. The ER is not an inexpensive alternative to a dental office; you will likely be billed excessively for what may prove to be a non-emergency.
In addition to being a costly treatment option, emergency room wait times can also be long, so it is not a time-saver in most cases.
Our team works hard to ensure that all patients receive excellent, affordable care in the quickest way possible. If you have financial concerns, we will discuss them with you and see what type of arrangement we can help you make.
Regular Dental Visits are Your Best Defense
Many who seek dental care in the emergency room are forced to do so because they have neglected a problem for too long. Your best defense in keeping your child’s mouth healthy is through regular exams and dental cleanings in our office.
When it comes to children’s dental care, we have the knowledge and experience to best serve you. Our dentist has the necessary tools to treat young patients, even in emergency situations.
If you have questions about keeping your child’s smile healthy, please contact our pediatric dental office in Washington, DC today and schedule a consultation.