Whether it’s throbbing pain, or an emergency tooth extraction—dental emergencies always seem to strike at the worst times. If you’ve never had to rush to the dentist for urgent care, your first experience could be stressful if you’re not prepared. Continue reading to learn what happens at an emergency dentistry appointment so you can be prepared when tooth trouble strikes.
Assessment and Pain Relief
Your dentist’s first priority will always be easing your discomfort. Once you’re in the chair, your dental team will ask questions about your symptoms, review your medical history, and quickly examine the problem area.
If you’re in severe pain, they may also provide numbing medication or prescribe pain relievers before moving forward. It’s much more difficult to make a conscious decision about your care when you’re stressed over discomfort.
Diagnosis
Once you’re comfortable, your dentist will find the cause of your problem, whether it’s a broken tooth or an infection. This could involve X-rays to check for abscesses, fractures, or cavities that like to hide below the surface.
Diagnosis is an important step that needs to be performed carefully to find the exact cause. Otherwise, your dentist can’t recommend the correct treatment for your needs.
Treatment Options
After diagnosis, your dentist will walk you through possible treatments. Common emergency procedures include:
- Fillings or crowns for broken or decayed teeth
- Root canals for infected or abscessed teeth
- Extractions if the tooth cannot be saved
- Draining and antibiotics for severe infections
Your dentist will explain the steps, costs, and recovery process before moving forward. This is to ensure that you’re aware of what’s required both procedurally and financially, so you can make an informed decision.
Follow-through
Once a treatment is decided, your dentist will begin the process of saving your smile. Some issues can be fixed in the same visit, but others will require multiple treatments. Depending on your situation, your dental team might take some temporary measures to ease your discomfort and schedule another appointment to focus on a permanent solution.
Dental emergencies can be scary but knowing what to expect can help you mentally prepare. With fast thinking and a good action plan, most dental emergencies can be treated quickly and effectively. If you’re ever in doubt, call your dentist right away. Moving quickly is the best way to protect your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Sarfraz Verjee is a caring dentist with more than 15 years of experience helping patients feel comfortable and confident about their smiles. A graduate of the NYU College of Dentistry, he combines advanced training with a gentle touch to ease anxiety, especially during emergency visits. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective care when patients need it most. Call (713) 943-9993 to schedule an emergency appointment at Magic Touch Dental of Pasadena or visit our website to explore other services.