4 Things You Can Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them—and they usually aren’t very fun! They can also often have serious oral health implications, meaning that quickly seeking treatment from an emergency dentist is very important. However, many people have no idea what to anticipate when they show up for an emergency dental appointment. Keep reading to learn about 4 things that you expect when you find yourself in this situation.

1. A Same-Day Appointment (If Necessary)

If you experience a dental emergency, you should contact your dentist at once—they will determine if you need to be seen immediately. Emergency dentists typically leave time built into their schedules to treat patients with emergencies, so don’t worry about speeding there to wait in line! Something serious like a displaced tooth will need to be addressed quickly, but minor injuries like chipped teeth can often wait a day or two. Your dentist will advise you on when to come in and what to do in the meantime.

2. An Emergency Dental Examination

When you arrive for your appointment, the first thing your dentist will do is carry out an emergency dental exam, also called a limited exam. This is a little different than the comprehensive oral exam that is performed during a regular checkup; your dentist will only focus on the problem area of the mouth, rather than inspecting your whole mouth. The goal of this exam is to quickly identify the issue so your dentist can recommend treatment. X-rays are sometimes taken to detect possible inflammation and infection.

3. The Possibility of Sedation or Anesthetics

In some instances, your dentist might have to use anesthesia or sedation to treat your emergency. Some types of treatment require sedation regardless of the level of pain you’re experiencing, but your dentist will always prioritize your comfort. Sedation is also useful for patients who experience extreme anxiety during dental emergencies.

4. Pain-Relief and A Restored Smile

Dental emergencies can compromise the look, feel, and functionality of your smile while leaving you in a great deal of pain! But as soon as you sit down in your dentist’s chair, they’ll do everything in their power to restore your smile and provide you with pain relief. Some common situations that emergency dentists can address include:

• Toothache and oral pain relief
• Chipped, broken, or loose teeth
• Emergency tooth extraction
• Lost crowns or fillings
• Extreme sensitivity
• Gums, lips, or tongue injury

Dental emergencies can be unexpected and frightening, but you shouldn’t panic. Instead, quickly contact your dentist and seek treatment; inaction won’t solve anything but seeing your dentist will—and knowing what to expect can ensure that things go smoothly.

About the Practice

The DeMartino Dental Group is proud to serve the dental needs of patients and families in the Phillipsburg community under the leadership of Dr. Jeffrey R. DeMartino and his wife, Dr. Nelida Garcia-DeMartino! Their practice offers a wide range of services including preventive, cosmetic, restorative, pediatric, and emergency dentistry! If you or a loved one is suffering from a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment by website or phone: (908) 859-5260.