Dealing with a dental emergency can be scary. Here is a step-by-step guide to find out what to expect during an emergency dentist visit.
Each year, an estimated
2 million Americans go to their local emergency room for dental problems that aren't always treatable in the ER. Did you know that you can visit an emergency dentist to get the care you need?
At Sparkle Dental, we offer emergency appointments during our working hours. We understand that when you're experiencing severe symptoms, you can't afford to wait for the next available time and date.
What can you expect when you visit your local emergency dentist? From pain relief to future care, we've got you covered.
Read on for our step-by-step guide to emergency dentist visits.
When to Call an Emergency Dentist
Scheduling a dental checkup twice a year can yield
unbeatable benefits, potentially keeping some emergencies at bay. However, there are clear signs that you need professional care ASAP. Let's take a look at some of the most common signs that you should call your emergency dentist today.
You're in Moderate to Severe Pain
If you experience mild tooth pain in response to hot or cold temperatures or notice occasional gum tenderness, you can bring it up at your next checkup. If you're experiencing moderate to severe pain in your teeth, gums, tongue, or jaw, it's time to seek emergency help.
What differentiates mild pain from moderate or severe pain?
Learning about the pain scale can empower patients to describe their pain and better advocate for their care.
Generally speaking, if it's disrupting your day and over-the-counter pain relievers aren't helping, you're probably experiencing pain at a five or higher on the pain scale.
You Chipped or Lost a Permanent Tooth
It's a rite of passage for children to lose their baby teeth to make room for their permanent teeth. It's another situation entirely to chip a tooth or lose a permanent tooth, especially in a sudden or traumatic way.
A chipped or broken tooth can expose the tooth's nerve, causing pain and increasing your chances of developing an infection. A lost tooth can also expose you to the risk of infection and create space for surrounding teeth to shift. The faster you seek dental care, the better your long-term outcome may be.
You Have Serious Gum Problems
Once again, something like occasional tenderness or a bit of "pink in the sink" after brushing is worth bringing up at your next checkup. These symptoms can indicate the early stages of gum disease, which is easy to reverse with the right intervention.
If your gums won't stop bleeding, you've noticed significant swelling, or you notice any pussy buildup, it's time to call for an emergency appointment. These symptoms may be caused by an abscess or infection. Immediate professional care can ease pain and discomfort while preventing further health problems.
What Happens During an Emergency Dentist Visit
It's normal to feel scared or overwhelmed when dealing with a dental emergency. Sometimes, knowing what's going to happen next can make you feel a little calmer. Here are the steps involved with emergency dental appointments.
Examination
When you first arrive, your emergency dental team will perform an examination to better assess what's going on. They'll ask questions such as:
- What are your current symptoms?
- When did these symptoms start and did they get worse with time?
- How would you rate or describe your pain?
- Did anything seem to trigger these symptoms?
Depending on the nature of the emergency, you may be asked about your medical history (or family medical history), as well.
Pain Relief
Most patients who visit their emergency dentist come in experiencing a good deal of pain. Naturally, one of the first things the team will do is work to bring that pain scale down.
This may start with an oral medication or injection for immediate relief. Depending on the source of pain, you may also need antibiotics for long-term relief.
Immediate Treatment
Patients seeking emergency dental care will need additional treatment beyond pain relief. Oftentimes, you won't receive full treatment during your emergency appointment, but the team may be able to begin the treatment process.
For example, we may remove the remains of a broken tooth or part of the surrounding gum tissue to reduce inflammation and other symptoms. We may also replace a missing or broken crown, albeit with a temporary crown or cap.
Referrals and Future Appointments
There are a few reasons why most emergency dentist visitors need additional care at a later date. The first is that many patients aren't in the right condition to choose what steps they're willing to take next. The second is that many dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete.
For example, while we may be able to extract an infected tooth during an emergency appointment, you'll need to return at a later date to receive a
dental implant. In some cases, you may also need to visit specialists for exams or treatments we can't provide. In this case, you may leave your emergency appointment with a referral for a follow-up appointment elsewhere.
Discussion of Aftercare
Chances are, you will need to take ongoing action at home to improve your oral health, treat your current symptoms, and prevent further problems. Once your pain is more manageable, your emergency dentist will discuss any steps to take as part of your aftercare routine. This can include things like:
- Taking prescriptions
- Increased brushing, flossing, or rinsing
- Applying ice or heat
- Making dietary changes until your oral health improves
- Abstaining from certain activities until your oral health improves
Once again, this conversation will also touch on future appointments to make for long-term care.
Call Sparkle Dental for Mount Vernon Dental Emergencies
If you're facing a dental emergency, there's a good chance that your emergency dentist is the right person to call. We hope this guide to the emergency dentist visit process has left you feeling more empowered the next time you need immediate care.
Dr. Patel and the team here at Sparkle Dental are proud to offer general, emergency, and cosmetic dental services in Mount Vernon, NY. Our goal is to make oral health more accessible by providing comprehensive services all under one roof.
Contact us online to schedule an appointment or call 914-687-1960 to request emergency care.
