Although proper preventive care can help you avoid common oral issues, like cavities and gum disease, there’s no guarantee you’ll never have a dental emergency. Issues like toothaches, lost or broken teeth, or restorations should be treated as soon as possible to keep them from worsening.
That means you should contact your dentist as soon as you notice the problem. Many offer same-day appointments so you don’t have to wait for relief, but you might hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure what to expect. Continue reading to learn more about what happens at emergency visits!
Step #1: Examination
When you arrive at the allotted time, your dentist will update your medical history and list current meds or supplements that you’re taking to avoid doing anything that could interfere. Then, they’ll examine your teeth and gums to determine the extent of the harm done and identify the underlying cause. This sometimes involves imaging, like X-rays or scans, to see what’s happening below the surface of your mouth.
Step #2: Easing Discomfort
Once your dentist knows what they’re dealing with, they’ll take steps to alleviate any aches you might be experiencing. For instance, if you have broken enamel or a severe toothache requiring treatment, they’ll inject a local anesthetic to keep your teeth and gums from sending pain signals to your brain.
Many providers also offer sedatives, like nitrous oxide (laughing gas), to help you feel calm and comfortable regardless of the reason for your visit. This drug is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose while your dentist works, and it wears off moments after you stop breathing it in.
Step #3: Treatment Plan
After they’ve eased the immediate discomfort, your dentist will discuss potential treatment plans with you. For instance, if you have a decayed or damaged tooth, they might provide a root canal to clear the infection. Then, they typically cap your troublesome tooth with a dental crown to protect it from further harm while restoring its appearance and functionality.
However, if you have a tooth that’s so injured it can’t be fixed, the only recourse may be extraction and replacement. Many patients worry about having teeth pulled, but your dentist would only suggest this option if they felt it was the best way to preserve your oral health.
Step #4: Procedure
Then, after you’ve decided upon an appropriate path forward, your dentist will begin your procedure. In some cases, like if they’re filling a cavity, they can provide the fix the same day as your visit. In others, they may only be able to begin your service and will have to finalize treatment another time. This is common for root canals, because you may need to wait a few weeks for your restoration to be delivered by the dental laboratory where it’s created.
There’s no reason to delay; the sooner you contact your dentist about your emergency, the faster they can treat the issue and alleviate any associated symptoms!
Meet the Author
Dr. Sandra Thore has 35+ years of experience helping people of all ages build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. She graduated from the Medical University of South Carolina and remains committed to continuing education to stay on top of the latest developments in technology and techniques. She is a valued member of several organizations, including the American Dental Association, and provides a complete menu of services at one convenient location. She also offers same-day emergency appointments and can provide nitrous oxide to ease your discomfort. If you have an urgent issue, you can request an appointment on the website or call (919) 659-0015.