If you’re in Idaho Falls or the surrounding areas and experience a dental emergency, Sandcreek Dental is here to help. We recommend contacting our office directly for any urgent dental issue. However, if an emergency happens outside of regular office hours—such as during the night, on weekends, or holidays—it’s crucial to assess the situation carefully. In some cases, the severity of your condition may require a visit to the emergency room (ER), but in most situations, a visit to your emergency dentist is the best course of action.

To get the immediate care you need, call Sandcreek Dental at (208) 525-4780. We’re prepared to address your dental emergencies quickly and effectively.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), emergency department visits for dental issues are on the rise, with many patients relying on hospitals for dental care that could be managed by a dentist. In 2018 alone, there were approximately 663,000 emergency department visits for non-traumatic dental conditions (NTDCs). Visiting the ER for dental pain can be costly, with average expenses far exceeding those of a regular dentist visit. However, in some situations the ER is a better option than visiting the dentist. Here are some scenarios where heading to the ER is the right choice:

1. Facial Trauma: If an accident causes not only dental injury (such as chipped or cracked teeth) but also severe facial trauma—like broken bones, deep lacerations, or puncture wounds—you should seek emergency medical attention. While an emergency dentist can treat dental injuries, they may not have the resources to address more extensive trauma.
2. Unavailability of Emergency Dentists: If no emergency dentist is available and you’re experiencing severe pain or other debilitating symptoms, a hospital can help manage your discomfort and stabilize your condition until a dentist is available to address the underlying dental issue.

If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, call us at (208) 525-4780. While many situations can be handled by an emergency dentist, in cases of severe trauma or when an emergency dentist is unavailable, a visit to the ER may be necessary for stabilizing critical symptoms like uncontrolled bleeding or facial injuries. Taking swift action can prevent further complications and ensure you receive the appropriate treatment.

In most cases, contacting your emergency dentist should be your first step. Dental emergencies often require immediate care to prevent further complications and pain. The ADA defines a dental emergency as involving:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe infection with swelling or pain
• Persistent swelling around the mouth
• Broken, chipped, or dislocated teeth
• Dental abscess with significant pain and swelling
• Lost crowns, fillings, or other restorations

Non-emergent yet urgent issues—such as broken dentures, oral sutures, or damaged orthodontic appliances—also warrant a prompt dental visit, even if they don’t require ER care.

Each dental emergency is unique, but some procedures are more common than others. Emergency dental treatments may include:

• Tooth extraction: For Teeth That Are Severely Damaged or Infected
• Tooth replacement: For knocked-out teeth that can be reinserted
• Filling or crown replacement: To restore damaged or missing restorations
• Tooth restoration: For chipped, broken, or decayed teeth

Regardless of the issue, emergency dental teams focus on cleaning the affected area, taking X-rays as needed, and addressing pain and infection management.

If you’re unsure whether your situation requires emergency care, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Call Sandcreek Dental at (208) 525-4780 for expert advice and treatment to restore your oral health swiftly.