If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know how stressful a dental emergency can be. Between the throbbing pain and the panic of finding a dentist on short notice, the experience can be downright anxiety-inducing. Getting proper care is necessary to help you find relief, but what will your dentist do when you get there? Here’s what you can expect when you visit a dentist for a dental emergency.
Immediate Evaluation
Upon arriving at the dental office, the first step will be a quick exam and an evaluation of your issue. The dental team will ask questions about your pain level, the location of the problem tooth, and when your discomfort started. If the situation is severe, you’ll be prioritized for immediate care!
Your dentist will assess the damage using visual inspection, X-rays, and other methods before deciding the best way forward for your treatment. In cases like a broken tooth or lost filling, temporary fixes may be applied to relieve pain while a more permanent solution is worked on.
Pain Control and Treatment
One of the top priorities during an emergency visit is managing pain. If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, your dentist will provide pain relief in the form of medication or a local anesthetic to numb the area.
Treatment will vary on an issue-by-issue basis. For example:
- A cracked tooth may be repaired with a filling, crown, or bonding material.
- A knocked-out tooth may be reinserted if brought in quickly enough or replaced with a dental implant or bridge.
- A severe tooth infection might need a root canal or, in some cases, an extraction to prevent further complications.
Whatever your needs are, your dentist will provide you with treatment and ensure that you’re comfortable the entire time!
Follow-Up Care
After your emergency visit, your dentist will give you a list of instructions for follow-up care at home. These could include taking over-the-counter pain relievers, using an antibacterial mouthwash, or scheduling additional visits for more extensive work.
Knowing how to care for your teeth after an emergency visit is just as important (if not even more so) as the visit itself! Following your dentist’s advice will help ensure smooth healing and prevent future complications.
Dental emergencies can happen at any time but being prepared and knowing what to expect can make the situation far less stressful. From quick evaluations and X-rays to pain relief and follow-up care, emergency dental visits are designed to get you out of pain and back to smiling as soon as possible.
About the Author
If you’re in pain, our expert team at AV Dental Associates of Jersey City can help you find relief. We use the latest dental technology and advanced techniques to diagnose and restore smiles with quality work that lasts. Whatever your needs, we’ll help you with a tailor-made treatment plan that will ensure your comfort. Call (201) 484-7759 to schedule a same-day emergency appointment or visit our website to discover other treatments and services we provide.
