Because life is so unpredictable, when you think about it, the list of potential dental emergencies is quite lengthy. However, the seven most common situations emergency dentists face are bleeding or pain after a tooth extraction, an abscess, broken orthodontics, a lost filling or crown, a knocked-out tooth, a chipped or broken tooth, or a toothache. When you need urgent oral care for any of these reasons, how is your dentist in Covina going to respond? Keep reading to learn more about what to expect during an emergency dental visit.
Call Your Dentist ASAP
As soon as you can get to your phone, or if someone is helping you, call your dentist’s office first thing during an emergency. Then, once a member of their team finds out you are in an urgent situation, they’ll ask you specific questions regarding your symptoms. From there, they can set up an appointment depending on how critical the situation is. For example, a knocked-out tooth needs immediate attention to be saved, but a chipped tooth can probably wait a couple of days since it’s less urgent.
Have an Exam
Because there is an array of potential dental emergencies, the first step in addressing the problem is to perform a detailed dental exam to identify its root cause. Typically, this includes a visual exam plus digital X-rays. Once your dentist has finished, they’ll review your options for treatment. Their team will also give you a cost estimate.
Ask for Sedation Dentistry If You Need It
Given the stressful nature of a dental emergency – maybe you need a root canal or another significant treatment – odds are you might benefit from nitrous oxide sedation or another variety your dentist offers. By inhaling this clear gas, your anxiety will fade away, allowing you to calmly receive treatment. Plus, its effects subside quickly, so you should be able to drive yourself home afterward.
Get Pain Relief and Smile Repair
A dental emergency can damage your grin, cause significant discomfort, or both. Fortunately, your dentist in Covina can devise a treatment plan aimed at improving your situation on multiple fronts. Depending on what they find during exams, they’ll begin soothing your immediate suffering and repairing your teeth to directly target the source of the problem. That way, you can enjoy a pain-free smile soon, and it won’t appear as if you’ve endured dental trauma.
It is difficult to respond to any sort of high-stress situation in life, dental drama included. But having an idea of what will occur in pursuit of rescuing your oral health can get you more prepared should an emergency dental visit ever be a necessity. Surprises are for birthday parties, not for popping up when your smile is in jeopardy!
About the Author
Dr. Danny Tran earned his dental doctorate at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, graduating with high honors. Dr. Tran is a Southern California native, and his father was a dentist too. He has been helping the smiles of his patients for nearly a decade and is a member of the American Dental Association. If you ever require an emergency dentist, Dr. Tran offers sedation dentistry, dental insurance is welcome, and flexible financing is available. Schedule an appointment on his website, but if it’s an emergency, call (626) 331-0688.