Dental emergencies can be stressful, especially if you are in pain or worried about the health of your teeth. Knowing what to expect during an emergency dental visit can help ease some of that stress and prepare you for the steps your dentist will take to relieve your discomfort and restore your oral health.
Initial Evaluation and Pain Relief
When you arrive for an emergency dental visit, the first priority will be to understand the nature of your problem. Your dentist will begin with a quick evaluation to assess your symptoms, the extent of damage, and your overall comfort level. If you are experiencing severe pain, they may provide immediate relief through medication, numbing agents, or other interventions. This ensures you can remain calm and comfortable while your dentist identifies the root cause of the issue.
Diagnostic Testing
Once you are stable, the dentist will conduct a more thorough examination. This may include visual inspection, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests to pinpoint the problem. For example, if you arrive with swelling or sensitivity, X-rays may reveal whether the cause is an abscess, a cracked tooth, or deep decay. A prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for determining whether you require a filling, root canal, or even an emergency tooth extraction.
Treatment Options
After diagnosing the issue, your dentist will discuss treatment options with you. The approach will depend on the severity of the problem and the best way to save the affected tooth. Common treatments during emergency visits include:
- Dental fillings or crowns for broken or damaged teeth
- Root canal therapy for infections or decay that reach the tooth’s pulp
- Emergency tooth extraction if the tooth cannot be saved
- Antibiotics or drainage to treat infection and reduce swelling
Your dentist will prioritize saving your natural tooth whenever possible, but extractions may be necessary if the damage is beyond repair.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Care
Emergency dental visits are not just about solving the immediate problem; they also lay the groundwork for long-term oral health. Once your pain has been managed and the urgent issue addressed, your dentist may schedule follow-up visits to restore function and aesthetics. This could mean fitting a crown, replacing an extracted tooth with a dental implant, or developing a treatment plan to prevent future problems.
The ultimate goal is to stabilize your oral health in the moment while also creating a pathway for ongoing care that keeps your smile strong and healthy.
Even though dental emergencies are unexpected, knowing what happens during a visit can help you feel more confident and less anxious about the process.
About the Practice
Dolan Dental proudly provides comprehensive dental care, including emergency dentistry, for patients in the community. Dr. Dolan and Dr. Gionfriddo are committed to offering compassionate, patient-focused treatment—whether you need urgent relief from pain, a same-day repair, or an emergency tooth extraction. With advanced technology and a caring approach, Dolan Dental helps patients restore their oral health and peace of mind quickly and effectively.
Call us at (860) 529-2000 or request an appointment online.