Many people experience anxiety around dental work, and if you’re overly afraid, you might feel tempted to skip routine checkups and cleanings. However, if you’ve just experienced an oral emergency, it’s essential that you visit your provider sooner rather than later.
If you need help but you’re worried about your upcoming appointment, understanding more about what to expect might help ease your frayed nerves. Continue reading to learn about 3 things that usually happen during emergency visits!
Step #1: Exam & Imaging
There are many potential reasons you might require an emergency dental visit, and some are more severe than others. The first thing you should do is contact your provider to inform them about what happened so they can schedule an appropriate appointment to see you. In many cases, they’ll make time to see you the same day so you don’t have to wait for relief, but the urgency depends significantly on your individual circumstances.
Then, when you arrive, they must examine your teeth and gums to identify the root cause of your problem. They might also take X-rays or other images and scans to see beneath your gumline to more accurately assess the extent of the harm done.
Step #2: Pain Relief
Once your provider has finished their examination, they’ll take steps to alleviate any discomfort you might be feeling. For instance, they might apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area or offer sedatives to help you feel at ease. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) and oral conscious sedation are two popular medications that can help you feel calmer and relaxed, but don’t “knock you out”, so you can still respond to your dentist’s questions or directions.
Depending on what happened and whether you’ve sustained any injuries, they might also offer anti-inflammatory medications or antibiotics to address swelling or infection.
Step #3: Treatment Plan
After the underlying issue has been identified and you’re sitting comfortably in the dentist’s chair, they can discuss potential treatment plans to resolve the problem. For example, a damaged or aching tooth might require a root canal to remove injured materials, followed by placing a dental crown to rebuild your pearly white’s appearance and functionality.
Some services, like being fitted with a customized restoration, typically require multiple visits over a period of time to complete. That means your dentist might start your treatment during your emergency visit but might have to schedule a follow-up appointment to complete the procedure.
Your dentist understands that you could be feeling anxious or in pain, and will do everything they can to help you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your emergency visit!
About the Practice
At D’Andrea and Pantera Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from a team of dentists dedicated to improving patients’ lives by enhancing their oral health. Our team collaborates to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your family’s needs at one convenient location, including emergency care. If you’ve had an unexpected issue and need help, we will do our best to see you the same day so you receive prompt attention. We also offer multiple types of sedation to help you feel calm and comfortable, regardless of the reason for your visit. You can request an appointment on the website or call (203) 288-0951.
