Although we might wish otherwise, no one can predict when a dental emergency will occur. The unfortunate nature of unpleasant surprises is that they can happen at any time. If you’ve lost or broken a tooth or restoration, you’re likely feeling frustrated by the pain and anxious about what to do next.
The first thing you should do is call your emergency dentist and let them know what happened so they can schedule you for a same-day appointment. If you’re not sure what to expect once you arrive at your designated time, keep reading to learn more about it so you can set your mind at ease!
Step #1: Examination
Before they can suggest any treatments or repairs, your dentist needs to determine the full extent of the damage done to your teeth and gums. This involves both a visual examination as well as X-rays to get a comprehensive picture of what happened. They’ll look for any areas of concern that may have contributed to your accident in addition to assessing the tooth itself. That way they’re mending the urgent issue as well as addressing the underlying cause to prevent a potential recurrence.
For example, if your tooth breaks because it has a cavity, they’ll clean and fill it to restore functionality and ensure the infection doesn’t spread.
Step #2: Alleviate Discomfort
Whether you took a blow to the face and it knocked out a tooth, or you bit into something too hard and chipped one, there’s a good chance you’re feeling uncomfortable. Thankfully, your dentist will do everything they can to ease any aches. For instance, they can inject the problem area with a topical anesthetic for fast relief. Depending on the extent of the harm done, they might also provide other pain medications and sedation options to help keep you calm. It’s not uncommon for them to use anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics as necessary to address additional inflammation or infection.
Step #3: Suggest Treatments
Your dentist will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan to fix your emergency. While they’ll do everything they can to help you right away, in some cases, additional appointments may be necessary. For instance, if your tooth is fractured then they may suggest a dental crown to protect and preserve it. Then, your dentist likely will be able to clean and prepare your tooth in the same visit, but you’ll need at least one other to receive your permanent restoration. Dental crowns, veneers, dental bridges, and dentures all take time to repair or replace.
Now that you know what’s involved, you’ll be more than ready for your dental emergency appointment!
About the Author
From the time that Dr. Leeza Stein started her training at the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, she has prioritized obtaining as much knowledge to help her patients, no matter their needs. As a result, she is familiar with many fields in dentistry, including endodontic (root canal treatment), Invisalign, and treatment planning, and she works with implant specialists in the area that have proven their excellence to ensure success for her patients. Would you like to discuss dental implants or other services with Dr. Stein? Contact LS Smiles online or call the Rockwall office at 972-771-2213 to schedule an appointment.