Dental emergencies can strike at any time, but they seem to prefer to strike at the least convenient moments. Thankfully, your emergency dentist is trained and equipped to resolve a wide variety of oral health crises in a comfortable, effective, and efficient manner. Here’s a quick look at what typically happens during an emergency dental appointment so you can know what to expect.
What Should I Do When Dental Emergency Strikes?
It’s always important to call your dentist as soon as possible after a dental emergency so you can explain the situation, schedule an appointment, and receive first aid instructions. The best way to prepare for your appointment depends on the emergency in question:
- Broken tooth: Find large pieces of the tooth if possible and place them in a clean container for transport to the dentist’s office. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to flush away debris and ease inflammation.
- Knocked-out tooth: Find the tooth in question and secure it by handling only the crown portion. If the tooth is dirty, swish it about in clean lukewarm water without any cleaning agents like soap. Place it in a sanitary vessel with milk or saliva for transport to the office.
- Toothache: Use over-the-counter pain medication, an oral analgesic, or a cold compress to reduce pain and inflammation. Swish warm saltwater about the mouth to flush away bacteria and ease inflammation.
What Happens During an Emergency Dental Visit?
Your emergency dental visit will probably proceed like this:
- Check-in: The receptionist will confirm you have arrived at the office.
- Blood pressure test: This allows your dentist to establish a baseline in case you need a treatment that requires your heart rate to be monitored.
- Limited exam: Your dentist will inspect your mouth to determine the source of the problem.
- Solution: Your dentist may perform a restorative treatment to address the issue on the same day. Otherwise, they will schedule you for an appropriate treatment at a later date and prescribe antibiotics or pain medication if needed to keep you comfortable and control infection until then. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist.
Emergency dentists compassionately address many oral health problems. Seeing your oral care provider when needed can help you keep your teeth and gums in great shape for life.
About the Practice
DD Family Dentistry offers the finest oral health services in Carrollton. Led by Dr. Durga Devarakonda and Holland Morrison, the staff treats each patient with sincere compassion and genuine respect. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are currently experiencing a dental emergency, dial (972) 236-7906. For more information, contact the office on the web.