Our teeth are an integral part of the body because they help break down food for better consumption. For this reason, everyone is encouraged to go the extra mile to maintain their oral health. Otherwise, you may experience dental issues that require treatment. You usually have two choices when this happens: emergency dental services or oral surgery.
Knowing when to choose between emergency dentistry and oral surgery is often tricky because they are meant to address dental problems. However, they differ in terms of the severity of the problem and the treatment required. Despite this, few people know the difference, and choosing the wrong treatment option can sometimes cause symptoms to worsen. For this reason, we’ll discuss the differences between emergency dentistry and oral surgery.
How Emergency Dentistry Works
General dentists usually provide emergency dental services and address dental problems that can be treated within a few hours. This is because the service is designed to fix the problem and relieve pain quickly, and the treatment is usually provided immediately after the dental problem is diagnosed.
Emergency dentistry also includes treatments necessary to save a tooth that has been knocked out. This type of treatment is usually provided in a hospital emergency room.
When Is Emergency Dentistry Necessary?
Emergency dentistry is necessary when you are experiencing a dental problem that needs to be treated immediately. If you experience a toothache, a cracked tooth, or an abscess, you should contact an emergency dentist directly.
You should call an emergency dentist if you have a loose, knocked-out, or chipped tooth. These problems must be treated immediately to prevent further damage to your teeth.
How Oral Surgery Works
When you have a tooth that needs to be removed, an oral surgeon can help you. Oral surgeons are dental specialists specially trained to extract teeth and other tissues from the mouth. They can also perform other dental procedures, such as implanting new teeth and cosmetic surgery.
Oral surgeons typically work in a hospital or dental office. They often work with other dental specialists and surgeons to ensure that patients get the best care possible. There are different types of oral surgery, and some of the most common procedures include the following:
- Dental implants – Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth. They are placed in the jawbone and are connected to the gum tissue.
- Crowns – Crowns protect the teeth from wear and tear. They are also used to improve the appearance of the teeth.
- Root canals – Root canals remove infected or damaged teeth. They are also used to treat gum disease.
- Tooth extractions – Removes teeth that are beyond repair.
- Orthodontic surgery – Corrects the alignment of the teeth.
- Reconstruction – Rebuilds the mouth after an accident or injury.
- Cosmetic surgery – Improves the appearance of the teeth and gums.
When Is Oral Surgery Necessary?
Oral surgery is necessary in specific cases because it ensures long-term oral health. Oral surgery is usually required when non-surgical treatments are ineffective or don’t fix the problem. For this reason, you and your dentist can make the decision to have oral surgery, and it must be discussed thoroughly to provide a clear view of what to expect.
Choosing the Right Treatment Option
Choosing emergency dentistry is easy enough because it’s readily available. However, the decision to have oral surgery isn’t an easy one to make. For this reason, you must choose the right treatment option. You and your dentist will discuss your specific case and decide whether or not oral surgery is necessary.
If you’re a candidate for oral surgery, your dentist will refer you to an oral surgeon. The oral surgeon will evaluate your case and discuss your treatment options and what they can do for you.
Conclusion
The line between emergency dentistry and oral surgery is often blurry because it can be difficult to tell which one you need. Regardless, both measures contribute to your oral health’s well-being, so you must choose wisely. It’s best to discuss your options with your dentist so that you won’t experience further problems.
If you’re looking for an emergency dental clinic, Dental First can help you! Debilitating dental pain should never be taken lightly, so we provide solutions to ensure you don’t have to suffer from it any longer. Simply go to our website to schedule an appointment!
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