Introduction
Dental emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a broken tooth, severe toothache, or bleeding gums, dental emergencies can be painful and stressful. But what if it’s outside of regular dental office hours? Can you go to urgent care for a dental emergency?
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a type of medical facility that provides immediate medical attention for non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries. They are usually open after normal business hours, including weekends and holidays, and are equipped to handle a wide range of medical conditions.
Can You Go to Urgent Care for a Dental Emergency?
The short answer is yes, you can go to urgent care for a dental emergency. However, it’s important to note that urgent care centers are not equipped to handle all types of dental emergencies. For example, if you have a severe tooth infection or a broken jaw, you should go to the emergency room instead.
What Dental Emergencies Can Urgent Care Treat?
Urgent care centers can provide treatment for a variety of dental emergencies, including:
- Toothaches
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Lost or knocked-out teeth
- Loose or broken braces or wires
What Treatment Can You Expect at Urgent Care?
The treatment you receive at urgent care will depend on the type and severity of your dental emergency. In general, urgent care centers can provide temporary relief for dental pain and discomfort, such as prescribing pain medication or antibiotics. They can also perform simple dental procedures, such as filling a cavity or extracting a tooth.
What Should You Bring to Urgent Care?
When you go to urgent care for a dental emergency, be sure to bring your insurance card, a list of any medications you are currently taking, and any relevant medical records or x-rays. You should also bring a form of identification and payment for any out-of-pocket expenses.
What Should You Do After Urgent Care?
After receiving treatment at urgent care, be sure to follow up with your regular dentist as soon as possible. They can provide more comprehensive treatment and help prevent future dental emergencies. It’s also important to continue practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing daily.
Conclusion
If you have a dental emergency outside of regular dental office hours, urgent care can be a good option for temporary relief and treatment. However, it’s important to remember that urgent care centers are not equipped to handle all types of dental emergencies. If you have a severe dental emergency, such as a broken jaw or severe tooth infection, you should go to the emergency room instead.
Remember to always take care of your teeth and gums to prevent dental emergencies from happening in the first place.