It's 9 PM on a Saturday, and you're dealing with severe tooth pain. Your first instinct might be to head to the emergency room. They’re open, and you need help now. But before you spend hours in the ER waiting room, you should know that emergency rooms can't actually fix dental problems.
Why People End Up at the ER for Tooth Pain
When tooth pain becomes unbearable outside regular business hours, it’s easy to assume the emergency room is the only option. The problem is that ERs aren't equipped to provide dental treatment. You’ll probably receive enough pain medication to tide you over, with instructions to see a dentist without really fixing the problem.
What the ER Can and Cannot Do for Dental Issues
Emergency rooms can manage medical complications from dental problems. They can prescribe antibiotics for infections, provide pain relief, and address severe swelling or trauma.
What they cannot do is perform root canals, repair broken teeth, replace lost fillings, or extract problematic teeth. You'll get temporary relief, then still need to see a dentist to fix the underlying issue.
What an Emergency Dentist Can Do Immediately
An emergency dentist in Fort Lauderdale, like Dr. Josh, can diagnose the problem with digital x-rays, provide immediate pain relief, and actually treat the cause of your pain.
Smiles by Dr. Josh is open Monday through Friday until 7:00 PM and offers same-day emergency appointments. Even better, Dr. Josh is available evenings and weekends because he knows dental emergencies don't follow a schedule.
When the ER Is the Right Choice
Head to the ER if you have uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling that affects breathing or swallowing, jaw fractures from trauma, or signs of a spreading infection like fever and difficulty swallowing.
How to Decide Quickly If You Are Unsure
When in doubt, call Smiles by Dr. Josh first, even on weekends. Dr. Josh is available 24/7 and can help you determine whether you need dental care or emergency medical attention. If severe tooth pain is disrupting your life, contact Smiles by Dr. Josh at (954) 522-4900 for emergency dental care in Fort Lauderdale when you need it most.