You’ve heard about emergency dental appointments. Now that you have a lingering toothache, it seems appropriate to book one of those. There’s just one hiccup: you’re not really sure what emergency dentistry is, or what will happen when you show up at the dentist’s office.
Consider your problem solved! To learn what to expect from this irregular visit, just keep reading.
Emergency Solutions for Emergency Problems
Quite simply, an emergency dental appointment is a visit you schedule with a dentist to address your dental emergency. Many general dentists also practice emergency dentistry, while others focus solely on dental drama. You’ll know you’re making the right kind of appointment if:
- Your dentist includes “dental emergencies” on their website’s list of services or mentions them somewhere on the home page or contact page.
- You’re experiencing some sort of oral discomfort or abnormality, such as a toothache, damaged tooth or restoration, knocked-out tooth, jaw pain, or swollen or bleeding gums.
Don’t worry, this is one dental service that is exactly what it sounds like!
Preparing for Your Office Visit
Some dental practices will have online booking, but your situation is urgent. Picking up your phone is the best way to ensure you receive relief as soon as possible. When you make the call, explain your discomfort in as much detail as possible. Your emergency dentist can give you first-aid instructions right then and there, so the more you tell them, the more they can help with. They’ll also assist you in scheduling an appointment. After that’s done, all that’s left for you to do is show up.
Starting Your Dental Emergency Treatment
When you arrive, your emergency dentist will promptly take you back for an oral exam. This will involve inspecting your mouth for the source of your discomfort and might include taking an X-ray. From there, your emergency dentist will fill you in on their findings. They’ll also go over your treatment options to ensure you proceed with a plan that you can be comfortable and confident with.
As a side note, know that many emergency dentists are proficient with sedation techniques. They’ll tell you if they think sedation will be necessary for your treatment, but you can also ask for this service if you’re anxious or have a history of dental phobia. Don’t be afraid to let them know about your concerns!
Your Post-Treatment Experience
Once your dental team initiates your treatment, simply sit back and let the pros take care of you. You likely won’t have to lift a finger – until you get back home. It’s important to follow any aftercare instructions your emergency dentist may have given you, otherwise you could slow your recovery or develop complications.
If you do experience a dental complication or notice that something’s not quite right, call your emergency dentist right away! They’ll see you just as promptly as before to take care of the issue. After all, your oral health is their priority.
About the Author
Dr. Sherriff Ali is an accomplished and experienced dentist who has been in the patient’s chair many times himself. Because of this, he appreciates and values his patients’ trust, and goes out of his way to ensure their comfort throughout the treatment process. Whether you have a dental emergency or general questions, contact Dr. Ali’s practice at (813) 705-6057. He and the Kaizen Family Dentistry team will be happy to help!