What To Expect When You Visit An Emergency Dentist

What is a Dental Emergency?

Emergencies can knock on your door anytime and with some knowledge, you can handle them well. It is the same with dental emergencies where if you are armed well with knowledge, you can get immediate treatment. Prompt treatment from an emergency dentist in Morgan Hill can treat severe pain, prevent loss of tooth/ teeth, reduce the duration and expense of treatment and even prevent deterioration of general health.  

What to expect at your Emergency Dentist visit?

First and foremost, you should always have access to a 24-hour emergency dentist because dental emergencies can happen at any hour.

• Appointment and after

You may have to have someone drive you to the clinic for the emergency dentist appointment. Your dental clinic will always treat patients with major emergencies first. For minor emergencies, you may be advised to treat it at home before visiting your dentist. Once you reach, you will be taken for an examination.

• Examination

To begin with, the dentist will ascertain the issue by running X-Rays or scans. Sometimes, the history of the presenting issue is enough to start with the treatment. Your emergency dentist will examine your oral cavity in detail and check if there is an infection, active bleeding, exposed nerves, etc.

• Preparation and pain relief

Sometimes, before starting the actual treatment a patient may be given local anesthetics or mild sedation, or a quick-acting pain killer to make the treatment as comfortable as possible.

• Deciding the course of treatment

For some dental emergencies, it may be possible to provide a permanent or a near-permanent solution in the same dental emergency visit. But in many cases, the focus is on temporary relief and preventing any deterioration. For example, a loose tooth can be removed or a sharp tooth can be smoothened. Root canal treatment can be started which will provide significant relief but will need another visit or two. Some issues like damaged crowns or damaged implants may require additional visits and longer time.

• Before you go home

Your 24-hour emergency dentist will ensure that your dental problem is stabilised before you are sent home. You will be given antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and other required medication based on your condition. You will be given instructions to alleviate your symptoms and to keep you comfortable at home.

Click to know What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Here is why you may need an emergency dentist appointment?

There are plenty of reasons why you may need to visit an emergency dentist. Some of them are described below.

• Uncontrollable bleeding

Uncontrollable bleeding is always a potentially life-threatening condition. Your dentist can check the cause and stop the bleeding. Press the region of bleeding with a clean cloth and use ice to stop the bleeding before you reach your emergency dentist.  

• Sudden or unexpected swelling in or around the mouth

This can be due to a tooth abscess or another infection that can spread down the neck and become a serious issue.

• Moderate to severe pain in tooth or jawbone

This can occur due to several reasons like a broken tooth, exposed nerve endings, periodontitis, chipped or cracked tooth/teeth, etc. Your dentist will be able to fix it in time.

• Severe pain in the oral cavity that you cannot localize

This can be due to the involvement of nerves and you may require an emergency extraction or a root canal. This can be done best at the right dental emergency clinic.

• Swollen or infected gums

Infections or some systemic issues can cause swollen or bleeding gums. This is associated with other health issues including cardiovascular problems due to inflammation. Always get prompt treatment.

• Accidental damage to your teeth

It is common for people to have such kinds of dental emergencies. Such emergencies are common during weekends or holidays. Visiting Morgan Hill Dentistry, a weekend emergency dentist as soon as you sustain damage to your teeth can prevent permanent loss. Clean the teeth and soak in milk while you reach the emergency dental clinic.

• A permanent tooth that is loose

Your emergency dentist may be able to reinforce a loose tooth with modern techniques like splinting while the surrounding structures heal.

• Damaged dental appliances or restoration orthodontics like fillings, implants, dentures etc.

If you notice any damage to your dental restoration appliances, it is advisable to visit your emergency dentist. If the right treatment is sought in time, you will not have to suffer unfortunate consequences like pain, expenses on getting new appliances etc. later on. Read more