Whether you’re in need of a root canal for a toothache, or had a crown knocked out during a weekend football game, accidents can happen when you least expect them to. No one can fully anticipate when this kind of dental emergency might happen and it can be hard to keep calm. If you have anxiety over dental visits, it’s even worse! You know you need to call the dentist but aren’t sure what to expect once you arrive. Keep reading to learn 3 steps you can expect your emergency dentist to take once you reach out.
Step #1: Getting You In
If you’re having a dental emergency, the first thing to do (after taking a few deep, calming breaths) is to contact your dentist. Depending on the severity of your situation, they’ll work with you to either get you in to be seen right away or schedule a more appropriate time for your visit. If your condition is less severe, they may provide care instructions over the phone for you to follow until it’s time for your appointment.
Step #2: Examination
Your dentist will want a comprehensive understanding of your condition before suggesting possible solutions. That means they’ll need to examine your teeth as well as gather any X-rays or other images they may require. If the cause of the problem isn’t immediately apparent, they’ll look for underlying issues that could be causing it, such as gum infection or tooth decay. They may also check to ensure that any restorations or fillings haven’t fallen out or sustained any damage.
Step #3: Potential Sedation or Anesthesia
Depending on your condition and how much pain you’re experiencing, you can expect your dentist to apply local anesthetics to numb the area. If you’re in a lot of distress, they might also offer sedation either in the form of nitrous oxide that’s distributed through a mask over your face while they work, or in pill form. They want you to feel comfortable and relaxed so that they can treat you effectively.
Your dentist may not be able to completely fix your condition in one visit, depending on what has happened and the necessary treatment. They’ll do what they can to alleviate pain or discomfort for now and get started with the repairs they’re able to. Then it’s possible you may need one or more follow-up visits to fully repair the damage. Either way, you can hopefully find some peace of mind in knowing that your issue is being handled by an expert.
About the Practice
Our dentists at Wolfe Dental Hillsboro know that you can’t anticipate when an accident might happen and encourage patients to store the office number in their phones for such incidents. We provide same-day dental emergency services, as well as over-the-phone first aid guidance, so we can address your issue right away. No matter what the emergency is, our friendly and knowledgeable staff can walk you through your next steps so you know what to expect. If you need to make an appointment, you are welcome to request one on our website or by calling (503) 844-6550.