Dealing with a dental emergency can be problematic on its own. Knowing how to handle the situation until you can see your dentist is important, as the steps you take can help reduce discomfort and prevent further harm. But what can you expect once you arrive for your emergency appointment? What will your dentist do? Will you receive treatment on the same day? Learn about the basic outline you can expect your dental team to follow the moment you call to report your injury.
Step 1: Your Emergency Office Call
When calling your emergency dentist, you will need to relay the details of your injury so team members can assess the severity of your situation. Based on the facts, they will not only provide helpful tips to manage your situation at home but also find a time for you to come in for professional treatment.
Step 2: In-House Arrival
As soon as you arrive for your appointment, a team member will escort you to a treatment room and begin taking digital images and scans of your mouth. If damage exists in areas that are not above the gumline, it’s imperative that your dentist be able to see where it is located.
The dentist will then perform a visual examination and review the detailed images to understand the extent of the problem.
Step 3: Creating a Plan
Using information from scans, photos, and the visual examination, your dentist will build a treatment plan focused on the injured area. They will discuss their recommendation with you to ensure you agree with their plan for proceeding. This may include same-day treatment or having you return at a later date to receive more complex, invasive procedures.
Step 4: Administering Dental Treatment
Since dental injuries can range from infections and cracked teeth to severe jaw pain, broken dentures, and knocked-out teeth, there are many treatment options your dentist may suggest, some of which may include:
- Antibiotics
- Fluoride treatment
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental crowns
- Dental implants
- Dentures
- Gum disease treatment
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extraction
If you have a time-sensitive situation (i.e., a knocked-out tooth), your dentist will administer treatment on the same day. However, if you have a chipped tooth that is not causing pain, they may ask you to wait a few days before receiving treatment.
No matter the injury you sustain, if you are in pain, you can expect your dental team to address it right away. They want you to feel more comfortable, regardless of whether you receive treatment on the same day or at a later date.
About the Author
Are you suffering from a dental emergency? Dr. Joanne Bancroft and her team at J.B. Dental are here to help you out of pain while also administering timely treatment to improve and restore your smile. When you call to alert us of your situation, we will find a time for you to come in and receive the immediate care you need. No matter what your problem is, we invite you to contact us at (720) 458-6561 to schedule an emergency appointment right away.