A dental emergency, such as a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or an abscess, requires prompt attention. Emergency dental care addresses sudden and acute oral health problems that need immediate treatment. Understanding what happens during an emergency visit may help you prepare for the appointment. Here is more information about the process from the moment you arrive at the dental office until your follow-up care:
Assessment and Diagnosis
Your visit will typically begin with a thorough assessment of your dental issue. A dental professional will ask you about your symptoms, when they started, and any events that may have caused the injury. You can also provide your medical history. This information helps the dental team understand the full context of your situation.
Next, a physical examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums will be performed. The dentist can look for visible signs of damage, swelling, or infection. In many cases, diagnostic imaging is necessary for a complete evaluation. X-rays are typically used to see the extent of tooth decay, check the roots of the teeth, or identify damage to the jawbone that is not visible to the naked eye. Once the examination and imaging are complete, the dentist provides a diagnosis and explains the findings to you.
Pain Control
Managing pain is a primary focus of emergency dental care. Dental pain can be intense and debilitating, so providing relief is a priority. Before any treatment begins, the dental team may take steps to make you more comfortable.
Local anesthesia is typically administered to numb the affected area. This is done through an injection near the site of the problem, which blocks nerve signals and prevents you from feeling pain during the procedure. For some people who experience dental anxiety, additional sedation options might be available to help them relax.
The goal is to create a painless experience while the dentist works to resolve the underlying issue. The dental team will monitor your comfort throughout the appointment. Communicate any concerns or preferences you have with your dentist beforehand to ensure the most comfortable experience possible.
Restorative Treatment
After the area is numb, the dentist will start the necessary restorative treatment. The specific procedure depends entirely on your diagnosis. The objective is to address the immediate problem and stabilize your oral health. Typical emergency treatments include:
- Fillings: For teeth with cavities that are causing pain.
- Dental crowns: To cover and protect a broken or severely cracked tooth. A temporary crown may be placed during the emergency visit.
- Root canal therapy: This procedure is performed when the pulp inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed.
- Tooth extractions: A severely damaged or infected tooth that cannot be saved may need to be removed.
- Re-implanting teeth: If you act quickly, a dentist may be able to place a knocked-out permanent tooth back into its socket.
The dentist can perform the procedure required to resolve the source of your pain and prevent further complications.
Follow-up Care
Your emergency visit might not be the final step in your treatment. Following the procedure, the dentist will provide you with specific instructions for at-home care. These instructions are meant to support healing and may include guidance on what to eat, how to clean the area, and what to expect during recovery.
A follow-up appointment is often scheduled to monitor your healing, complete the treatment, or begin the next phase of a multi-step procedure. For example, if a temporary crown was placed, you will need to return to have the permanent crown fitted. Attending your follow-up appointments helps with the long-term outcome of your dental work.
Get Emergency Dental Care Today
Facing a dental emergency can be a stressful experience, but knowing the process can provide some peace of mind. From the initial assessment to pain management and restorative treatment, each step is designed to address your immediate needs. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not wait for the problem to worsen. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for prompt and professional care.
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