Dental emergencies aren’t fun at all—on top of that, they can occur when you least expect them to. They also often have serious implications if you don’t act quickly and schedule an emergency dental visit! But you might be wondering what to expect when you show up to the dentist’s office for an emergency appointment. Keep reading to learn more about 4 things you can anticipate upon arrival.
1. A Same-Day Appointment (If Necessary)
Assuming you contact your dentist immediately, they will let you know if you need to come in for treatment as soon as possible. Something serious like a displaced tooth or major oral trauma will need to be addressed quickly; a minor injury like a chipped tooth can usually wait a day or two. Your dentist will advise you on what to do in the meantime. Emergency dentists typically leave time built into their schedules for situations like this, so you don’t need to worry about waiting in line once you arrive, either.
2. A Careful Examination
One of the first things that will happen once you sit down in the dentist’s chair is an emergency dental exam, also known as a limited exam. This is a little different than the usual routine exam your dentist performs during biannual checkups. Rather than wholistically evaluating the status of your mouth, your dentist needs to quickly identify the source of the issue so they can diagnose it and recommend treatment. X-rays are also sometimes taken to reveal any hidden infection or inflammation.
3. The Possibility of Sedations or Anesthetics
In some cases, your dentist might have to use anesthesia or sedation to treat your emergency. Some treatments require sedation regardless of the level of pain you’re experiencing—but obviously your comfort is your dentist’s top priority. Sedation can also be used for patients who experience dental anxiety related to their emergency; this is much more common than you might think!
4. Pain-Relief and A Restored Smile
Not only can dental emergencies be painful—they also compromise the look and functionality of your smile! But your dentist is the best person for the job and will do everything in their power to restore your smile and provide you with necessary pain relief. Some common situations an emergency dentist can handle include:
- Toothache and oral pain relief
- Emergency tooth extraction
- Chipped, broken, or displaced teeth
- Restoring lost crowns or fillings
- Treating dental infections
Dental emergencies can occur any time or any place, and quickly scheduling an emergency dental visit is the best thing you can do to preserve the health and beauty of your smile.
About the Practice
South Ridge Dental is proud to serve patients and families in the Lincoln area under the leadership of Dr. Ryan Shaffer and Dr. Steven Shaffer, who are both native Nebraskans! Their practice offers a wide range of dental services including emergency dentistry options. If you or a loved one needs to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact the practice through their website or by phone: (402) 423-1616.