Emergency Dental Care
Book an Emergency AppointmentWhen you’re in pain due to a tooth emergency, you shouldn’t just search for “emergency dentist near me” and hope for the best. Not every dentist offers emergency services like Jefferson Dental & Orthodontics. We provide emergency dental care Monday through Saturday to get you help as soon as possible and avoid prolonged pain.
Understanding Emergency Dental Care
Emergency dental care refers to immediate and urgent dental treatment provided to people who are experiencing sudden and severe dental issues that need immediate attention. Some of these reasons include:
Pain relief
Dental emergencies can be incredibly painful. Whether it’s a severe toothache, a broken tooth, or an abscess, receiving dental care can alleviate pain and provide much-needed relief.
Preventing further damage
Ignoring a dental emergency can lead to more extensive and more expensive dental problems in the future. By seeking immediate care, the dentist can address the issue and minimize the risk of further dental damage.
Saving natural teeth
Choosing dental emergency care can save your natural teeth. Think of instances such as knocked-out or dislodged teeth, immediate care greatly enhances the chances of successful reattachment or repositioning. The longer the delay, the lower the chances of saving the tooth.
Managing infections
Dental emergencies such as abscesses or severe gum infections can lead to other health issues if left untreated.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Importance of regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Role of good oral hygiene practices in preventing dental emergencies. Advice on diet and lifestyle choices that contribute to good dental health.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
Here’s an overview of what you can expect when going for an emergency dental appointment:
Examination and diagnosis
When you get to the dental office, the dentist will examine your oral health, focusing on the area of concern. They will evaluate your symptoms, review your dental history, and possibly take dental X-rays to aid in diagnosis.
Treatment planning
Once the dentist identifies the cause of your dental emergency, they will discuss the available treatment options with you. They will explain the procedures, associated risks, and expected outcomes to help you make an informed decision about your dental care.
Immediate pain relief
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort, the dental team will prioritize providing immediate relief. They may give you local anesthesia or prescribe pain medication to alleviate your symptoms.
Emergency treatments
The specific treatments provided during an emergency dental visit depend on the nature of the dental emergency.
Toothaches can feel different for everybody. Some people may experience sharp or shooting pain that’s constant or comes and goes. For others, a toothache may feel dull and radiate through the jaw or into the sinuses. No matter how your toothache presents, if it’s impacting your ability to function then it could require emergency care, and dentists are your best bet for finding relief from the pain.
Accidents happen, and many situations can cause a permanent tooth to get knocked out of its socket. Thankfully, with proper dental emergency care you could save the tooth!
Chipping or breaking a tooth can happen any time due to chewing on hard substances, trauma, or tooth decay. It’s important to seek treatment for this type of tooth emergency, even if you don’t have any pain.
(the composite material used to fill a cavity) and crowns (the tooth-shaped restorative cover that protects and strengthens damaged teeth) can fall out due to trauma or underlying erosion. You could have pain, difficulty chewing or talking, and even develop related problems if you don’t seek emergency dental treatment to have the tooth repaired.
Your mouth contains bacteria, but when too much bad bacteria upsets the balance, you could have serious problems. Bleeding gums isn’t something to ignore and may qualify as a dental emergency.
You may think that painful braces require dental emergency care, but broken brackets and wires that cause excessive discomfort and pain shouldn’t wait. Though some discomfort should be expected when you first start treatment and after you get them tightened, persistent pain, difficulty eating or speaking, and bleeding may require an emergency dentist.
An abscessed tooth is an infection at the tooth’s root. It’s often caused by untreated tooth decay and presents as a sore on the gums. Abscessed teeth can be extremely painful, and if left untreated could develop into a severe infection that impacts more of your body. It’s important to seek emergency dentist services if you suspect an abscess.