When toothache pain strikes, most people’s first thought is to call a dentist. Unfortunately, there is an increasing trend for people to visit the Emergency Room (ER) for toothache pain. The American Dental Association recently reported in their newsletter that “The deterioration in private and public dental benefits coverage for adults has clearly created significant financial barriers to dental care – especially among young adults.”

More people visiting ER’s for their dental issues, rather than dental offices, puts a strain on the healthcare system that the Affordable Care Act cannot support. The Affordable Care Act does not mandate dental benefits for adults. ER’s cannot provide definitive dental treatment and are only able to provide medication for pain and infection. Regular exams along with timely treatment of decay and gum disease are the only ways to achieve dental health.

Most dental offices provide after-hours emergency contact numbers should such a situation arise. Douglas Dental makes every effort to be available for emergency situations and work with other providers if we are unavailable.