Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can be an effective way to prevent common oral concerns, such as cavities and gum disease, that often lead to dental emergencies. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never develop an urgent issue.
Contacting your dentist immediately for a same-day visit can help save your smile, but you might feel anxious if you’re unsure what to expect at your appointment. Continue reading to learn about 3 steps your provider is likely to take when you arrive at the scheduled time!
Step #1: Examination & Treatment Plan
There are many potential reasons you might contact your dentist for a same-day emergency appointment. For instance, you might have developed a sudden or severe toothache, sustained an injury that damaged or dislodged a tooth or restoration, or some other concern.
Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, and might also take X-rays, to identify the root issue. Then, they’ll devise an appropriate treatment plan and provide you with the information for your approval before proceeding.
Step #2: Pain Relief & Preparation
Once you and your provider have verified the underlying concern and have decided on an appropriate solution to address it, the next step is to ensure that you feel calm and comfortable for the procedure. Many dentists offer options for sedation, such as nitrous oxide (laughing gas) that’s inhaled through a mask placed over your nose while they work, or oral conscious sedation that’s prescribed as a pill.
Then, depending on the required procedures, they might need to prepare your teeth by or taking other steps to help ensure your procedure’s success. For example, if you require a dental crown to restore an injured tooth’s appearance and functionality, they must remove a small amount of enamel for the restoration to fit correctly over it.
Step #3: Starting Your Procedure
Once initial preparations are made, your dentist can start your treatment. If it’s a simpler solution, such as dental bonding to repair chips and cracks, they may be able to complete your treatment in the same visit. Emergency extractions can also often be completed the same day you arrive at your dentist’s office.
However, some restorative services, such as replacing teeth to close gaps in your grin, can require multiple visits over several weeks or months to complete. In these cases, your dentist will do what they can to alleviate any associated aches and begin your treatment during your initial appointment. Then, they can schedule additional follow-up appointments as needed to complete your treatment.
If you’re unsure whether your dental concern necessitates a same-day emergency visit, you can learn more by contacting your dentist. They’ll schedule an appropriate time to see you based on your circumstances and can provide additional care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive.
Meet the Author
Dr. Rajiv Shekhadiya is passionate about improving patients’ lives by helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery advanced degree from New York University, and today, is committed to continuing education to offer the most current treatment options using state-of-the-art technology. He offers multiple options for sedation as well as same-day visits for emergencies. You can contact the office on the website or by calling (469) 694-3766.