Common Services Offered by an Emergency Dentist

When a sudden urge of discomfort or pain occurs in the mouth, you may find yourself scrambling for a dental appointment. Unfortunately, you may not realize you need an emergency dentist until it is too late. Having an emergency dentist on standby allows you to be prepared for many oral emergencies, as they offer many services you do not have to wait weeks to months to undergo.

Evaluation and diagnosis

Before performing any service, the emergency dentist must evaluate the patient's oral state. They may perform diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or additional scans, to get a better look at the problem area. This process is necessary for all patients because the initial emergency may have hidden consequences. Therefore, imaging helps identify the underlying cause of the emergency, such as a tooth fracture or infection.

Immediate care services

After the evaluation and diagnosis, the emergency dentist can perform a service that remedies the condition, not just the symptoms. Most of the time, patients seek an emergency dentist's care for toothache relief. Toothaches can result from various factors, such as trauma, the exposal of the inner tooth structure, decay, infection, or periodontal (gum) disease. Therefore, the emergency dentist will provide care through the following services: root canal therapy, broken tooth repair, a filling or crown replacement, abscess draining, and extractions.

Root canal therapy

Root canal therapy is necessary when the tooth's pulp chamber has been compromised. The emergency dentist will remove the compromised pulp and replace it with a material called gutta-percha, effectively saving the tooth and ceasing any pain-related symptoms.

Broken tooth repair

There are various types of breaks, including raze lines, fractured cusps, cracks that reach the gum line, split teeth, and vertical root fractures. Depending on the type of break, the dentist will provide a remedy to save its natural structure.

Tooth extractions

Sometimes, the emergency dentist may determine the tooth is unsalvageable, meaning it must be extracted. Therefore, during the appointment, they will need to decide whether a simple or surgical extraction is required and then review replacement options with the patient for a later date.

Filling or crown replacement

If a dental filling or crown has been knocked out of place or completely lost, it can cause the patient extreme pain. This is because these appliances protect the vulnerability of a tooth's inner (fillings) or entire structure (crowns). Pain and sensitivity occur when the inner structure is exposed.

Abscess draining

Dental abscesses are painful infections that occur at the tooth's root. While they can form quickly, patients often do not notice them until their gums are swollen and in a certain amount of pain. The emergency dentist will drain the abscess, clean the area, and provide antibiotics, as leaving it untreated can lead to irreversible damage.

Preventative care and aftercare

While emergency dentists primarily focus on immediate treatment, they will provide tips on preventing the emergency from happening again and how to best care for their treatment results. These tips may include proper oral hygiene practices, wound care, dietary restrictions, or the use of appliances such as a mouthguard or nighttime splints. Following these tips and aftercare instructions decreases the risk of patients furthering damage and maintaining results.