What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
Dental emergencies are stressful, especially if the cause of your dental emergency is dental trauma. One way to alleviate some of the stress of a dental emergency is by choosing a dentist who is experienced in handling dental emergencies. You’ll also want someone who understands what to expect when you get to our office.
At Vero Dental Spa, our primary goal in treating your dental emergency is easing your pain and making sure that you are as comfortable as possible. From there, we want to make sure that you are happy with the results of your treatment and know which steps will help improve your dental health.
Protocol During an Emergency Dental Visit
Like other emergency medical treatments, dental emergencies require following a system to help handle your emergency as smoothly and painlessly as possible. Depending on the type of emergency you are experiencing, the protocol will go as follows:
Upon arriving at our office, we will need to gather as much information and history about your dental condition as possible. If you would like to save time, you can print out our paperwork online and have a close friend or family member fill out the necessary information before arriving at our office.
Next, we will need to take x-rays of your dental condition. This will help us assess the extent of the emergency and come up with an efficient treatment plan.
After getting a good view of your condition, we will discuss all the issues and treatment options to correct the problem and ease your pain.
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful, and dental treatments require careful consideration. We will recommend the most efficient solutions and educate you on each option to make an informed decision on your dental health. Our primary concern is relieving your pain.
When to Go to a Hospital Before a Dentist for an Emergency
Some dental emergencies require a trip to our dentist’s office, while more severe emergencies should be treated at a hospital. You should go to the hospital if you’re suffering from a dental emergency or trauma to the face and mouth that needs immediate medical attention, like the following:
- Jaw fractures
- Jaw dislocations
- Severe lacerations or cuts in the face and mouth
- An abscess or infection so swollen that it hinders your ability to breathe or swallow
You should call 911 or visit the emergency room in the above contexts to avoid serious medical consequences and even death.
Medical Treatment for Dental Discomfort
When a decayed tooth leads to discomfort and sensitivity to hot and cold foods, it does not necessarily mean it’s an emergency. However, you should still visit our office as soon as possible to rule out serious issues and treat any minor issues.
In some cases, you might be experiencing dental discomfort due to small areas of decay, loose fillings, or an exposed tooth root due to gum recession. In these circumstances, it might be necessary to visit an endodontist, who are specialized in treating infections in the pulp of your teeth. One of the most common emergency treatments is root canal therapy, which cleans out the damaged pulp and seals the space where the decay was removed.
What to do After Dentist Hours
Dental emergencies are never convenient, but they can be even more inconvenient when they occur during non-business hours. If you’re dealing with a non-lethal dental emergency after hours, you can still try reaching our office for a recommendation. You might need to seek pain relief treatment from a medical professional at an urgent care facility in some cases.
