By definition, emergencies are unexpected, so it’s important to know what to do when they happen. Dental emergencies can happen due to oral infections or physical trauma to the mouth, and they can be incredibly painful. The good news is that dentists are trained to provide treatments that can remedy these situations by correcting the issue and treating the pain. Here’s a brief outline of what can happen at an emergency dental appointment.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental issue counts as an emergency if it is severely painful or requires immediate attention to treat. This can include the sudden onset of a throbbing toothache, a dislodged tooth, fractured teeth, oral abscesses, and other extreme dental ailments. While a loose filling, a broken wire on one’s braces, or a chipped tooth may be unpleasant and irksome, they do not require immediate treatment to resolve.
What Should I Do When I Have a Dental Emergency?
The first thing to do when you have a dental emergency depends on the nature of the emergency. If you have dislodged a tooth, the first order of business is to secure the tooth. Never touch it by the root and store it in a container with saliva or milk to keep it from drying out. Then you must bring it with you as you make your way to the emergency dentist.
Before you head to the emergency dentist’s office, call the front desk to let them know you’re coming and inform them of your issue. They will pencil you in for an appointment and you may receive additional instructions. Then, start on your way to the office.
What Happens at Emergency Dental Appointments?
During an emergency dental appointment, you will receive an oral examination to determine the nature and severity of the problem. You may receive a treatment such as a root canal, a tooth reimplantation, or an extraction if it can be performed that day. Otherwise, you will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infections and scheduled for an appointment in the coming days to have the issue resolved.
Knowing what to do when a dental emergency strikes can save you time, suffering, and your smile. Your dentist is your teeth’s best friend, and they’ll know just what to do to resolve the problem.
About the Practice
Painesville Dental Group provides comfortable and modern dental services to patients in Painesville, OH. Led by Drs. Dennis Horvath, Jerry V. Patriarca, Nicholas Slezak, and Stephanie Pichler, the staff delivers effective treatments and effective results with courtesy and compassion. Areas of expertise include general, cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dentistry. If you have experienced a dental emergency, dial (440) 354-2183. Otherwise, contact the office online.