A dental emergency is stressful enough on its own. Depending on the situation, it’ll involve bleeding, intense pain, or worse. Not knowing how to go ahead with your dentist will add needless worry.
Listed below are three things you should expect during an emergency dental visit in Raleigh. Remember them so urgent treatments go more smoothly in the future.
A Fast-Yet-Thorough Emergency Exam
As with a regular dental appointment, your dentist will start by examining your oral cavity for problem areas. However, the exam will be quick since it’s focused on short-term solutions to a pressing matter.
For instance, a dentist will primarily look for signs and symptoms of the following:
- Cavities or tooth infections
- Poor Fillings
- Broken teeth
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Exposed dental roots
- Swollen, infected gums
Before working on remedies, your dentist needs to know about your medical history and current medications. Of course, this step might be skipped if you’re seeing your usual dentist.
Sedation Dentistry (if Necessary)
Since many dental emergencies involve intense pain or distress, your dentist may give you a sedative before treatment. It could take the form of nitrous oxide sedation, which involves inhaling a clear gas to help you relax. Due to this gas’ fast-acting nature, many specialists consider it ideal for urgent emergency procedures. Its side effects are also known to subside quickly, allowing patients to drive themselves home afterward.
A Quick (Temporary) Fix
After the exam and sedation, your dentist will take the steps needed to relieve your discomfort. Since these measures only offer pain relief, you may need added appointments to address the underlying issue. That being the case, treatment might only apply temporary numbing, crowning, or other techniques. These stop-gap measures will handle things until you can schedule more comprehensive services.
Follow-Up Plans
After settling the more immediate hassle, your dental practitioner will discuss future treatment plans. More surgeries or therapies could be necessary to deal with the root of your condition. For example, a rotted tooth would need extraction even if it no longer hurts. Otherwise, your earlier trouble could become a reoccurring dilemma.
Dental anxiety causes discomfort in any situation, much less when you injure your teeth. Know what happens in an emergency dental visit beforehand to relieve some of your fear!
About the Author
Dr. Christine Laster is a practicing dentist based in Raleigh, NC, having graduated with Honors from UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry. Her skills in preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry are excellent. Furthermore, she received additional training in pediatric dentistry during rotations at Duke University and Wake Country. She is even well-versed in emergency dental services. Dr. Laster currently practices at Rensch and Laster: Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and can be reached at her website or by phone at (919)-787-0355.
