Emergency Dentist London Ontario: When to Call vs. Go to the ER
Dental emergencies can strike at any time, leaving you in pain and unsure where to turn for help. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in London, Ontario, knowing whether to contact an emergency dentist London Ontario or head to the emergency room can save you time, money, and potentially prevent complications. This comprehensive guide will help you make the right decision during those critical moments when urgent dental care is needed.
Understanding Dental Emergencies: What Constitutes Urgent Dental Care
A dental emergency is any situation involving your teeth, gums, or mouth that requires immediate attention to alleviate severe pain, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or save a tooth. According to the Canadian Dental Association, approximately 2.3 million Canadians visit emergency departments annually for dental-related issues, with many cases being more appropriately handled by dental professionals.
Common Types of Dental Emergencies
- Severe toothache with swelling or fever
- Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Lost dental fillings or crowns
- Abscessed tooth with facial swelling
- Soft tissue injuries to gums, lips, or tongue
- Broken or damaged orthodontic appliances
When to Call an Emergency Dentist in London, Ontario
Most dental emergencies are best handled by dental professionals who have specialized training and equipment. Here’s when you should contact an emergency dentist London Ontario:
Severe Tooth Pain
If you’re experiencing intense, throbbing tooth pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medications, this typically indicates a serious issue like an infected tooth root or abscess. Emergency dentists can provide immediate pain relief through procedures like root canal therapy or drainage of infections.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Time is critical when a tooth has been completely knocked out. The chances of successful reimplantation are highest within the first hour. An emergency dentist has the expertise to properly clean, position, and stabilize the tooth, potentially saving it permanently.
Cracked or Broken Teeth
Depending on the severity, cracked teeth can often be repaired with dental bonding, crowns, or other restorative procedures. Emergency dentists can assess the damage and provide temporary or permanent solutions to prevent further complications.
Lost Fillings or Crowns
While not always painful initially, lost dental work can quickly become problematic. The exposed tooth structure is vulnerable to bacteria and further damage. Emergency dental care can replace or repair these restorations promptly.
Dental Abscesses Without Systemic Symptoms
If you have a dental abscess (a pus-filled infection) but aren’t experiencing fever, difficulty swallowing, or facial swelling that affects your breathing, an emergency dentist is your best option. They can drain the abscess and prescribe appropriate antibiotics.
When to Go to the Emergency Room
While most dental issues are better handled by dental professionals, certain situations require immediate medical attention at a hospital emergency department:
Life-Threatening Symptoms
Visit the ER immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- High fever (over 101°F/38.3°C) with dental pain
- Severe facial swelling that affects vision or breathing
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- Signs of sepsis (confusion, rapid heartbeat, extreme fatigue)
Traumatic Injuries
If your dental emergency resulted from a significant trauma like a car accident, sports injury, or fall that may have caused additional injuries, the ER is equipped to handle multiple trauma situations and can coordinate with dental specialists as needed.
Medication-Related Emergencies
If you’re experiencing severe allergic reactions to dental medications or have complications from dental procedures that affect your overall health, emergency medical care is necessary.
Finding Emergency Dental Care in London, Ontario
London, Ontario, offers several options for urgent dental care:
After-Hours Dental Clinics
Many dental practices in London offer emergency services or have arrangements with emergency dental services. These clinics are specifically equipped to handle dental emergencies and often provide more cost-effective care than hospital emergency rooms.
Hospital Emergency Departments
London Health Sciences Centre and other local hospitals can provide emergency medical care for dental-related issues, particularly when systemic symptoms are present. However, they may only provide temporary pain relief and antibiotics, referring you to a dentist for definitive treatment.
Dental Schools and Community Health Centers
Some educational institutions and community health centers offer emergency dental services, often at reduced costs for qualifying patients.
What to Do Before Seeking Emergency Care
Taking the right steps before reaching professional care can significantly impact the outcome:
For Knocked-Out Teeth
- Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
- Rinse gently with water if dirty
- Try to reinsert the tooth in its socket
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store in milk or saliva
- Seek dental care within 30 minutes
For Severe Pain
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Apply cold compress to reduce swelling
- Rinse with warm salt water
- Avoid extremely hot or cold foods
For Broken Teeth
- Save any tooth fragments
- Rinse mouth with warm water
- Apply gauze to control bleeding
- Use cold compress for swelling
Cost Considerations and Insurance Coverage
Understanding the financial implications can help you make informed decisions:
Emergency Dentist Costs
Emergency dental visits typically range from $200-$800 in London, Ontario, depending on the treatment required. Many dental insurance plans cover emergency procedures, and payment plans are often available.
Emergency Room Costs
While ER visits are covered by OHIP for Ontario residents, the treatment options are limited. You’ll likely need follow-up dental care anyway, potentially doubling your costs and treatment time.
Prevention: Reducing Your Risk of Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be prevented, these strategies can significantly reduce your risk:
- Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings
- Wear protective mouthguards during sports
- Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or popcorn kernels
- Don’t use teeth as tools to open packages
- Address dental problems promptly before they become emergencies
- Keep emergency dental contact information readily available
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wait until morning for dental pain?
Severe dental pain that prevents sleep or daily activities shouldn’t be ignored. If pain is manageable with over-the-counter medications and there are no signs of infection, you may wait for regular office hours, but monitor symptoms closely.
What if I can’t reach an emergency dentist?
If you cannot reach an emergency dentist and have severe symptoms like facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Are emergency dental visits more expensive?
Emergency visits typically cost more than regular appointments due to after-hours service, but they’re often less expensive than ER visits when you factor in the need for follow-up dental care.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Dental Emergency
When facing a dental emergency in London, Ontario, the key is to assess the severity of your symptoms and choose the appropriate level of care. For most dental issues, an emergency dentist London Ontario provides the most effective and cost-efficient treatment. Reserve emergency room visits for life-threatening situations or when dental professionals aren’t available.
Remember, prompt action during a dental emergency can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth, or between simple and complex treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help when you need urgent dental care.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency in London, Ontario, contact your dentist’s emergency line first. If you don’t have a regular dentist or cannot reach one, search for emergency dental services in your area or call ahead to local emergency departments to understand their dental care capabilities.