What Will a Dentist Do in an Emergency?

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, and they can be caused by many things, like a sports injury, extreme tooth pain, or a broken crown. If you experience a dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. Here is how your dentist can help in an emergency.

Examination

Your dentist will examine your mouth and the injured area before treating anything. This can be done through X-rays or a simple visual examination. Sometimes the patient knows the cause of the pain, and sometimes they don’t. Your dentist will look for possible indications of the underlying issue, such as infection, exposed nerves, or gum inflammation. If you wear braces, your dentist will check if the pain is caused by a broken wire or bracket. They will look for broken teeth, damaged restorations, or tender gums. Dental emergencies can also originate from underneath the gums, like a wisdom tooth erupting.

Comfort and Pain Relief

Generally, a dental emergency is accompanied by pain. If you are experiencing pain, describe it to your dentist as specifically as you can. During an emergency visit, your dentist may use a topical numbing gel or a numbing injection on the affected area. They may also give you nitrous oxide to help with any anxiety. After your visit, your dentist may provide you with prescriptions for antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs to bring down swelling and prevent or clear an infection.

Possible Additional Visits

Some dental emergencies can be solved in one visit, but most require more scheduled visits to your dentist. After your dentist has done everything they can during your emergency visit, they will determine if another visit is necessary.

If you have a dental emergency, call Hale Family Dentistry immediately to schedule an emergency appointment.