What Usually Happens at Emergency Dental Appointments?

You’ve been waylaid by a dental emergency and called your dentist for immediate treatment. That’s a good first step! But you may now be asking yourself, “What happens next?” In the spirit of easing your anxiety, read on below to learn what you can typically expect to happen at your upcoming appointment.

Step 1: Discuss Your Symptoms and Dental History

Your emergency dental appointment will usually begin with a conversation about what happened and the symptoms you’re experiencing. Your dentist or dental team will ask questions about when the problem started, how severe your discomfort is, and whether anything makes it better or worse.

You may also be asked about your medical history, current medications, allergies, and previous dental treatments. Be sure to mention any relevant health conditions or medications, as they may influence your treatment options.

If you have severe pain, facial swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection, let the dental team know immediately so they can prioritize your needs.

Step 2: A Thorough Dental Examination

Next, your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structures to identify the source of the problem. Depending on your symptoms, they may check for tooth fractures, cavities, damaged fillings, gum infections, swelling, or other abnormalities.

Dental X-rays may also be necessary to identify problems that aren’t visible during a visual examination. For example, an X-ray can reveal an infection near a tooth’s root, hidden fractures, or damage beneath an existing restoration.

The goal is to determine exactly what’s causing your symptoms and whether immediate treatment is necessary.

Step 3: Discuss Your Emergency Treatment Options

Once your dentist identifies the problem, they’ll explain their findings and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Depending on the emergency, treatment may include:

• Dental Fillings: Repairing a cavity or replacing a lost filling to protect the affected tooth.
• Dental Crowns: Restoring a severely damaged or weakened tooth.
• Root Canal Treatment: Removing infected or inflamed pulp to save a tooth.
• Tooth Extractions: Removing a tooth that is too damaged or infected to save.
• Emergency Repairs: Addressing broken teeth, damaged restorations, or other urgent dental problems.

Sometimes, your dentist can complete treatment during your initial appointment. In other situations, they’ll focus on relieving pain, controlling infection, or stabilizing the affected tooth before scheduling additional treatment.

Step 4: Recovery Instructions

Before leaving, your dentist will explain how to care for your teeth and gums following treatment. You may receive instructions about pain management, medications, eating, brushing, and other recovery considerations.

If you need additional procedures, your dentist will also discuss follow-up appointments and the next steps in your treatment plan.

How Do I Know it’s an Actual Dental Emergency?

Don’t ignore severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, uncontrolled oral bleeding, facial swelling, or signs of a dental infection. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and may even save your natural tooth.

Remember, a dental emergency doesn’t have to turn into a bigger problem. You’ve done the right thing by contacting your dentist first for an appointment. Now you know what to expect!

About the Author

Dr. Mahesh Sadhnani graduated with honors from the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He’s also completed postgraduate learning at the renowned Kois Center in Seattle, one of the world’s leading learning institutions for dental professionals. Dr. Sadhnani’s calm, methodical approach to treatment, combined with his education and experience, is tailor-made for dental emergencies. If you’re experiencing an oral health crisis, call our West Roxbury office at (617) 325-4633 for quick scheduling, or reach us online.