Dental emergencies strike when you least expect them, whether it’s a cracked tooth during dinner or intense pain waking you up at 3 a.m. In those stressful moments, you may be asking: Should I go to urgent care or call an emergency dentist? At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine, CA, we’re here to guide you through the right steps to get fast, effective relief.
Can I Go to Urgent Care for a Dental Emergency in Irvine, CA?
While urgent care centers are helpful for many non-life-threatening medical issues, they’re not equipped to treat dental problems. They can offer temporary pain relief, prescribe antibiotics, or rule out infections, but they can’t perform dental procedures like fillings, extractions, or repairs.
If you visit urgent care for a dental emergency in Irvine, they’ll likely recommend following up with a dentist anyway, meaning a longer wait for treatment and possibly more discomfort.
Bottom line: If your emergency is tooth-related, go directly to a dental professional.
Should I Go to the Hospital if My Toothache Is Unbearable?
If you’re experiencing severe, radiating pain, swelling that’s affecting your ability to breathe or swallow, or signs of a spreading infection (such as fever or facial swelling), you should go to the emergency room immediately. These are considered medical emergencies and could be life-threatening if left untreated.
However, for most toothaches, an emergency dentist is the better choice. At Art of Dentistry Institute, we offer same-day emergency appointments in Irvine to address urgent needs like:
- Broken or knocked-out teeth
- Unbearable toothaches
- Abscesses or infections
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Oral injuries
Can the ER Take Out a Bad Tooth?
No. Most hospital emergency rooms do not have a dentist on staff. They typically do not perform extractions or other dental procedures. The ER can help control pain, reduce infection risk, and refer you to a dentist—but you’ll still need to visit a dental office for actual treatment.
That’s where Art of Dentistry Institute comes in. Our skilled team can treat the source of your pain directly, whether it’s an extraction, root canal, or urgent restoration, without unnecessary delays or referrals.
When to Call Art of Dentistry Institute
If you’re in Irvine or nearby and facing a dental emergency, don’t waste time at urgent care or waiting in an ER for a referral. Call the experts directly. Our compassionate team offers:
- Immediate dental care for emergencies
- State-of-the-art technology for accurate, fast diagnosis
- A calm, comfortable setting designed to ease anxiety
Contact Art of Dentistry Institute today and get the urgent care your smile deserves, without the hospital detour.
