Smile SOS: What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?

Whether you have a toothache, chipped tooth, or another sudden oral health problem, one of the first things you should do is contact your dentist. They will arrange their schedule so they can treat you as soon as possible. But what exactly might happen during your emergency dental visit? This blog post walks you through what you can expect.

Examination and Diagnosis

One of the first things your dentist will do is perform a thorough examination. Usually, they start by asking questions about your situation. When did the symptoms start? How severe is your pain? Communicate such details as clearly as possible, and make sure your care team has updated information about your medical history.

The exam itself is not as comprehensive as your biannual checkups. Rather, your dentist will focus solely on the area of your discomfort. They will use their eyes, dental probes, and X-rays to help them understand the details of your situation.

After your dentist has adequate information about your emergency, they can start providing practical, targeted help.

Emergency Pain Relief

Pain relief is a major focus of any emergency dental visit. Your care team may use local anesthesia to numb the painful area, which will allow you to stay comfortable during any procedures. Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medication may be offered to help you manage any soreness once you get home.

Your dentist will also offer advice on other ways to manage pain. For example, you may be advised to apply a cold compress, modify your diet, and use certain oral hygiene techniques.

Treatment

In some situations, your dentist might not provide the extensive treatment you need during your emergency appointment. They might not have the time or the needed preparations in place. Instead, they may offer a temporary fix. For example, if you lost a crown, a temporary replacement can protect your exposed tooth until you get a new permanent restoration. If you have an infection, you may get medication to prevent it from worsening until you can return to the office to undergo root canal therapy.

Other situations can be thoroughly addressed right away. For example, if you still have a crown that fell off, your dentist might just cement it back into place. If you have a cavity, placing a filling usually does not require a lot of time or prep, so the treatment can usually be completed ASAP.

An emergency dental visit is nothing to be afraid of! Rather, your appointment should result in pain relief and a better outlook for your smile’s long-term health.

Meet the Practice

At Alamo Springs Dental, we are often able to provide same-day emergency care for urgent cases.  We combine compassion, skill, and technology to offer care that results in pain relief and better oral health for our patients. If you are struggling with a painful dental problem, we are ready to assist you! Contact our San Antonio office at 210-463-9339.