Unfortunately, you can never anticipate dental emergencies because unexpected issues, like toothaches, damaged enamel, or other concerns, can potentially happen to people of any age or gender at any time of day or night.
It’s important to pay attention to the condition of your grin so you can contact your dentist for a same-day appointment if you experience any sudden changes. However, you might hesitate to reach out if unsure what to expect from your visit. Continue reading to learn what you can expect to happen during your visit to ease your nerves!
Step #1: Scheduling an Appointment
There are many potential reasons you might require an emergency dental visit, and in many cases, acting quickly can potentially save your smile. If you’ve noticed a problem or sustained an injury, you should contact your dentist’s office right away to let them know about your concerns.
They will schedule an appropriate appointment time to see you, often on the same day, and may also provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive. If you have a lost or broken tooth or restoration, try to collect the pieces, rinse them, and store them safely to bring with you.
Step #2: Examination
When you arrive, your dentist will examine your mouth to identify the root problem. Not only will they visually inspect your teeth and gums, but they might also take additional X-rays or other scans to ensure that the damage doesn’t extend beneath the surface of your gums, into the roots of your teeth, or impact your jawbone.
Step #3: Pain Relief & Treatment Plan
Once your provider identifies the underlying issue, they will put together a treatment plan tailored to meet your unique needs. For instance, they might suggest a root canal to alleviate your toothache and clear away an infection, followed by placing a dental crown to restore your pearly white’s appearance and functionality.
They’ll take the time to walk you through their recommendations and provide as much information as you need to feel confident moving forward. Then, once you’ve approved the procedure, they will likely begin by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area and help you feel more comfortable.
Step #4: Starting Your Procedure
Next, your dentist will do what they can to mend your mouth during your visit, but might have to schedule an additional follow-up visit to complete your treatment. For example, a root canal procedure can be provided the same day, but receiving a dental crown can take multiple visits over a few weeks to complete.
It’s natural to feel anxious about emergency dental visits, but your dentist will do everything they can to help you feel relaxed while they address the underlying issue!
Meet the Author
Dr. Leslie Metzger takes pride in helping improve people’s lives by helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. She earned her dental doctorate from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry and participates in several professional organizations to stay current with the latest technology and techniques, including the American Dental Association. She offers a comprehensive array of services to people of all ages and tries to reserve time for same-day emergency visits so you don’t have to wait for relief. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (248) 476-3410.