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Emergency Dentistry
February 14, 2025
6 min read

Emergency Dentist vs. ER: Where Should You Go for Tooth Pain in Marlborough?

Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP

By Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP

Lead Dentist at Innova Smiles Dental

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS, FICOI, FAAIP • Last reviewed February 14, 2025
Emergency Dentist vs. ER: Where Should You Go for Tooth Pain in Marlborough?

The Panic of a Dental Emergency

When a toothache strikes at 2 AM or you chip a tooth over the weekend, your first instinct might be to rush to the nearest Emergency Room (ER). However, for most dental issues, the ER is not the best place to go.

Why the ER Can't Fix Your Tooth

Emergency rooms are equipped for life-threatening medical situations—chest pains, broken bones, severe infections—but not specifically for dental care.

  • No Dentists on Staff: Most ERs do not have a dentist available.
  • Limited Treatment: They can typically only offer antibiotics for infection and pain medication for temporary relief. They cannot pull teeth, perform root canals, or fix broken crowns.
  • High Cost: ER visits are significantly more expensive than an emergency dental appointment, often with long wait times.

When SHOULD You Go to the ER?

Go to the ER immediately if you experience:

  • Severe swelling that impacts your breathing or swallowing.
  • Trauma to the face or jaw (e.g., from a car accident).
  • Uncontrolled bleeding that won't stop after applying pressure.

Why Choose an Emergency Dentist in Marlborough?

At Innova Smiles, our emergency dental team is equipped to handle the problem at its source.

  • Immediate Treatment: We can perform extractions, root canals, and repairs on the same day.
  • Specialized Equipment: Digital high-tech X-rays and specialized tools allow for accurate diagnosis and long-term solutions.
  • Cost-Effective: Treatment is often a fraction of the cost of an ER visit, and we accept dental insurance.

Our "See You Today" Promise

We reserve time in our schedule specifically for dental emergencies. Don't suffer in the waiting room only to be sent home with a prescription. Call us for fast, definitive relief.

Take the next step for your dental health

Whether you need a routine cleaning or a complete cosmetic smile transformation, our team in Marlborough is here to help.

Questions? Call us at (508) 481-0110

Innova Smiles Dental serves patients in Marlborough, MA and nearby communities including Hudson, Westborough, Northborough, Southborough, Sudbury, Framingham, Hopkinton, and Shrewsbury.

Dr. Ambereen Fatima
DDS, FICOI

Dr. Ambereen Fatima, DDS

Implant & Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Fatima is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI) and the American Academy of Implant Prosthodontics (AAIP). With a focus on minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry, she combines artistry with evidence-based medicine.

NYU College of DentistryInvisalign ProviderAACD Member

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