Nobody should ever have to visit a dentist in an emergency. But in reality, what we fear the most happens to us. However, with an emergency dentist by your side, you can navigate this situation easily. Delve into this blog to find out what to expect at an emergency dentist appointment!
It usually happens on a normal day. You bite something wrong, or you wake up with a pain that feels like it came out of nowhere. In that moment, the only thing you can really think is, "I need help now."
If you have never been to an emergency dentist before, it's completely normal to worry about what to expect at an emergency dentist appointment. Most people do.
That's the reason why we at Aberdeen Dental Centre have come up with this guide to help you understand what you can expect during an emergency dental visit!
What to expect during an emergency dental visit?
Understanding what a dental emergency is
People often wait too long. Sometimes, because they hope the pain will disappear, and sometimes because they think it's "not serious enough."
A real emergency is anything that stops you from eating, sleeping, or thinking straight. A cracked tooth, a broken filling, swelling that feels warm to the touch, or that weird throbbing that gets worse when you bend down to pick something up.
If it interrupts your day, see an emergency dentist as early as you can. It is genuinely safer than waiting.
First Moments: The quick check and pain relief
When you walk into the clinic, the team usually does a short check first. They want to understand how serious the issue is before anything else. Most patients feel a little calmer at this stage because someone finally acknowledges their discomfort. The dentist may ask simple questions, such as where the pain started or whether anything triggered it earlier in the day, to understand your problem.
Next Step: Finding out what is actually wrong
After you settle down a bit, the dentist looks more closely. They check the gums. They check for cracks. They check how the tooth reacts when touched. If they can't see the cause, they might take an X-ray.
At our clinic, our emergency dentist in Vernon tries to figure out what is hurting and how badly. If required, we apply a cold pack or similar numbing agent to the area, and in certain situations, we may also give you mild sedation to help you stay comfortable. Thereafter, we analyze your situation, sometimes request an X-ray, and then prepare a proper treatment plan to address the root cause of the problem.
Taking through treatment options
In this step, the dentist explains what's actually causing the problem and the treatment options. Sometimes you need a temporary filling. Sometimes the nerve is irritated and requires more care. Sometimes, part of the tooth needs to be smoothed to stop it from cutting your cheek.
If the injury is related to alignment or the jaw, the clinic may recommend follow-up with an orthodontist.
The immediate fix
Emergency treatment focuses on preventing the problem from worsening. Even if the full treatment is scheduled later, the dentist will do something right then to help. Pain control, cleaning the area, sealing a hole, or stabilizing a loose tooth. People usually walk out much better than they walked in.
What to do after you get home
After the appointment, follow your dentist's instructions. Your dentist may also call you to schedule the actual treatment at a later time, once the area has settled and is stable enough for a full procedure. If you notice any new discomfort or the symptoms return before your next visit, reach out to the clinic so they can guide you on the next steps.
Conclusion
Dental emergencies show up without warning, but you do not have to handle them alone. Now that you know what to expect during an emergency dentist visit, you can walk in with more confidence and less worry.
If you are in Vernon and experiencing sudden pain, swelling, or a chipped tooth, reach out to an emergency dentist at Aberdeen Dental Centre for the care you need right away. Your smile will thank you later. Visit our website to know more about our emergency dentistry!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult Aberdeen Dental Centre for a personalized assessment.
