If you’ve suddenly broken or lost a tooth, or developed a severe or persistent ache, then it’s important to contact your dentist so you can be seen right away. Oral issues don’t fix themselves, and your grin is vulnerable to additional injury or infection. Thankfully, many dentists offer same-day emergency appointments so you don’t have to wait for relief.
Despite this, many patients wait to contact their provider because they’re afraid. Continue reading to learn more about 4 things you can expect from your emergency appointment to set your mind at ease before you arrive!
#1: Examination
Before they can fix your problem, your dentist must first assess the full extent of the damage. Even if the immediate issue is apparent, like a broken tooth, they’ll need to look for possible causes. They’ll examine your mouth and may also need to take X-ray images or scans to identify anything developing under the surface, like a cavity or cyst.
#2: Pain Relief
Once you’re in the dentist’s chair, they’ll want you to feel as calm and relaxed as possible. They don’t want you to suffer while they work, so there’s a good chance they’ll administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area. If you’ve sustained an injury or are incredibly uncomfortable, they might also administer an appropriate sedative to alleviate any aches. This also ensures that you sit still while they work.
#3: Treatment Options
Next, your dentist will make treatment recommendations based on their examination findings. For example, they might suggest a root canal to remove the infection causing your toothache. In some cases, they might be able to address the issue fully and send you home with a repaired smile. In other instances, the appropriate treatment might require multiple appointments.
For example, if you sustained an injury that dislodged multiple teeth, your dentist can make impressions and apply a temporary restoration at your appointment. Then, you’ll have follow-up appointments to be fitted with a permanent one, like partial dentures or a dental bridge.
#4: Questions
Before they send you on your way, your dentist will take the time to answer any questions you have about the proposed solutions or repairs. Feel free to inquire about what preparation is involved, how long the procedure takes, what recovery looks like, and what to expect from the final results.
Now that you know more about what to expect from your emergency visit, you have nothing to fear!
About the Practice
At Costello & DeHart Dental Excellence, people of all ages benefit from two skilled dentists who work together to offer a full range of services at one convenient location, including emergency dentistry. Dr. Costello and Dr. DeHart take the time to get to know you so that when a problem arises, they can quickly create individualized solutions to address it. Their family-friendly practice is equipped with state-of-the-art technology so you know you’re always getting the most up-to-date treatments. If you have a problem that requires immediate attention, you can request a same-day appointment on the website or call (847) 259-1111.