Emergency dental visits can be stressful, but knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and ensure you’re prepared for the process. Whether you’re dealing with a severe toothache, broken tooth, or dental injury, an emergency dental visit is designed to address urgent issues and provide immediate relief. Here’s what you can anticipate during your visit.
Initial Evaluation
When you first arrive at the dental office, you’ll typically be asked to fill out paperwork, detailing your medical and dental history, symptoms, and the nature of your emergency. The dentist or a dental assistant may ask follow-up questions to better understand your condition. Emergency visits prioritize urgent needs, so the dental team will assess the severity of your situation, determining whether immediate action is required or if a more comprehensive treatment plan can be developed later. In some cases, pain management is provided right away.
Diagnostic Process
Once the initial assessment is complete, the dentist will perform a physical examination of your mouth, teeth, and gums. They may use X-rays or other imaging techniques to get a clearer view of the problem. This step is crucial in identifying hidden issues, such as fractures or infections, that may not be immediately visible. The diagnostic process helps the dentist pinpoint the cause of your discomfort and form a treatment plan. The dentist may explain the findings to you, outlining what needs to be done and discussing any available options for treatment.
Treatment and Pain Relief
After the diagnosis, the dentist will proceed with treatment, which depends on the nature of the emergency. For severe toothaches, this may involve performing a root canal or extracting the tooth if it’s beyond saving. For a broken tooth, the dentist may provide temporary or permanent restorations, like crowns or bonding. Dental injuries, such as a knocked-out tooth, require immediate reimplantation or stabilization. Throughout the process, the dentist will prioritize pain relief, using local anesthesia or other methods to keep you comfortable. Aftercare instructions are usually provided to guide your recovery, and a follow-up appointment may be scheduled if further treatment is needed.
About Our Practice
At Advanced Dental Care, we know that dental care can sometimes be a bit stressful. We also know that dental emergencies can sometimes seem unpredictable. For both of these reasons, we try to give patients a little bit of consistency when it comes to their dental care; when they visit our office, you’ll always find a team of people ready to help you with whatever problem you might have.
If you have any questions about dental emergencies, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (714) 424-9099.