ER Visits For Dental Problems

As of 2012, an average of 2 million Americans visit the ER for dental related problems; and this number is multiplying each year. Not only is the emergency room ill-equipped to assist you with these issues (they do not staff dentists and will only provide palliative care until you can get to a dentist), it is costly!

According to data from a 2009 study, cavities were the cause for 41.8% of all ER visits for dental problems. CAVITIES!

A majority of these dental issues are non traumatic and PREVENTABLE!

While access to care and being underinsured affects many, a dental visit is still cheaper than a visit to the emergency room.

Prevent increasing this statistic by:

• practicing proper home care: see the oral hygiene info page for more detail

• visiting the dentist for yearly check-ups

• visiting the dental hygienist for bi-annual cleanings if you have a healthy mouth, visit more frequently if you have gum or periodontal disease

• don't wait until it hurts! If you need a cavity filled, don't put it off until it hurts. It is usually more costly to wait.