Are you experiencing a throbbing toothache that won’t go away? Are you struggling to eat, drink, or swallow comfortably? Did you accidentally chip or damage a tooth due to a sports-related injury? If so, then you’ll need to visit your dentist right away for urgent care. But what will happen during your appointment? Read on to learn four things you can expect from an emergency dental visit!
#1: Expect to Be Penciled In
The first thing you’ll want to do if you’ve been struggling with a dental injury for a few days or weeks is to contact your dental team immediately. Many emergency dentists provide same-day bookings for urgent situations, such as a knocked-out tooth. If your case is severe, you’ll likely be treated on the day you come in. If the situation is less urgent, like a chipped or sensitive tooth, then you may be penciled in for a later time or day. In either case, they’ll do everything they can to restore you to good oral health.
#2: Expect an Emergency Evaluation
During a routine dental checkup, your dentist will typically examine your teeth, gums, tongue, and other soft oral tissues. This is to ensure there aren’t any signs of developing issues, such as cavities and gum disease. However, during an emergency dental visit, your dentist will mostly focus on pinpointing the root cause of your situation so that they can address your symptoms and alleviate discomfort. This can typically include a visual exam and X-rays taken by your team. Afterward, they’ll discuss your treatment options and give a cost estimate for your procedure.
#3: Expect the Possibility of Dental Sedation
While an emergency dental visit may be necessary to preserve or restore your smile, the last thing you’d want is to feel overwhelmed or stressed out about your treatment. For this reason, your dentist may provide you with sedation dentistry. From nitrous oxide to IV sedation, you’ll be able to undergo your procedure while remaining as relaxed as possible throughout your visit.
#4: Expect a Renewed & Pain-Free Smile
Your emergency dentist understands how an urgent situation can be detrimental to your oral health. Not only will they alleviate any discomfort from your symptoms, but they’ll also work meticulously to restore the look and function of your pearly whites. This way you’ll be able to go back to enjoying a comfortable and healthy smile as soon as possible.
By keeping these few tips in mind, you’ll be able to have some peace of mind if you ever experience a dental emergency. Feel free to speak with your dentist if you would like to know more about the process or how to prevent urgent situations, and they’ll be happy to help!
About the Author
Dr. Daood Alvi received his dental doctorate from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. He regularly seeks continuing education to expand his techniques and expertise. He provides a large collection of high-quality and comprehensive services, including root canal therapy, tooth extractions, and sedation dentistry. If you need to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 737-758-3676.