What You Should Expect When Visiting an Emergency Dentist

Unexpected dental issues can strike at any moment, leaving you in need of urgent care. Whether it’s a chipped tooth, a painful abscess, or another unforeseen problem, emergency dental appointments are essential for addressing these situations quickly and effectively.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect from emergency dental appointments, from the signs you need urgent care to the process of your visit. By the end, you'll be better equipped to understand how to access emergency dental services, ensuring you receive the care you need in a timely manner.

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any situation that poses an immediate threat to your oral health, requiring urgent care to prevent further damage or complications. It’s common for patients to underestimate the severity of their condition, unsure of when it’s truly necessary to go to the emergency dentist. However, recognising the warning signs is essential for knowing when you need emergency dental services.

Here are some of the key signs that an oral problem requires prompt attention:

• Severe pain: Unbearable or sharp pain that doesn't subside with over-the-counter painkillers could signal a serious underlying problem, such as an infection, that requires prompt treatment.

• Persistent bleeding: If bleeding in the mouth doesn't stop after applying pressure, it could indicate a traumatic injury, gum disease, or even a clotting disorder, all of which need urgent care.

• Swelling: Swelling in the face, jaw, or gums may suggest an infection, such as an abscess, that could spread rapidly if not treated promptly.

• Abscesses: Pockets of pus in the gums, often caused by bacteria entering the tooth or gums, and should be treated immediately to avoid complications.

• Loss of dental restorations: If a filling, crown, or implant falls out or becomes loose, it’s important to address it quickly to prevent further damage to the tooth or gums.

• Tooth injury: If a tooth is cracked, partially dislodged, or knocked out, prompt attention is essential to repair the damage and prevent further complications.

Call Your Emergency Dentist

The first thing to do if you suspect you might need an emergency dental appointment is to call your local dentist’s office. If it’s outside office hours, you may need to call the emergency out-of-hours number or use the emergency contact form. The dentist will ask for details about your dental problem to quickly assess the severity of your condition. Based on this information, they will determine whether you need an urgent appointment and advise you to come into the clinic if necessary.

Preparing for Your Appointment

Emergency appointments are prioritised for urgent cases, ensuring patients are seen as soon as their condition becomes severe. Because of this, preparation for the appointment is generally not necessary. The key focus is on getting to the clinic quickly. Arrange transportation to and from the practice, and if you're in significant pain, avoid driving if it could be unsafe. In such cases, consider organising alternative transport to ensure you can attend your appointment without delay.

Consultation and Diagnosis

During your emergency dental appointment, your dentist will take your medical history, conduct a visual exam and take X-ray scans of the problem tooth, if necessary. The dentist will use the information gathered to form a diagnosis, which will determine the course of treatment that is required.

Explaining the Procedure

If a procedure is needed, such as a root canal or a new filling, the emergency dentist will first explain why it is necessary. They will also describe how the procedure addresses the issue. After that, the dentist will go over what to expect during the procedure and provide details about recovery time and any follow-up care required. They will also answer any questions you might have to help you feel informed and reassured before going ahead with the procedure.

Application of Anaesthesia

If immediate treatment is necessary, the procedure will begin right away instead of being scheduled for a later date. The first step involves applying the anaesthetic to the affected area, ensuring that you will not feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure. If you're already experiencing severe pain, the dentist may provide additional pain relief, such as a local anaesthetic or painkillers, to help manage the discomfort and allow the treatment to proceed smoothly.

Treatment

Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the treatment will begin. The specific procedure will depend on the nature of the issue. For instance, if a tooth is loose, the dentist will carefully reattach it. If a filling is lost, a new filling or alternative dental restoration will be applied to restore the tooth’s function and appearance. Each treatment is tailored to address the problem effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for your oral health.

Aftercare

Once the procedure is successfully completed, the dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support your recovery. They will inform you on how to clean the area and care for your teeth while you heal. Depending on the treatment, you may be prescribed painkillers to manage any discomfort or antibiotics to prevent infection.

Additionally, the dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress, asking you to return in a few days or weeks for a check-up.

Follow-up Appointment

Follow-up appointments are essential for several procedures to monitor the healing process. These visits ensure that the issue has been resolved or is progressing well. If the condition is not improving or is worsening, it may indicate complications that require further treatment. Regular check-ups provide peace of mind and allow the dentist to address any concerns before they escalate, helping to ensure the best possible outcome for your recovery and long-term oral health.

Local Emergency Dentists at Acorn Dental Health

At Acorn Dental Health, we offer emergency dental services to quickly address urgent dental issues. If you're in pain, experiencing swelling, or have a dental injury, our experienced team of emergency dentists can provide immediate care with same-day appointments. 

If you have a dental issue but are unsure when to go to an emergency dentist, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our local dentists are ready to assess your situation over the phone, determining whether a routine or emergency dental appointment is needed.