As you’d expect, a dental emergency can often feel unstable and uncertain. Some are enough to leave patients off-kilter and out of sorts. Still, not everything about them has to be unclear to you. You can learn what to expect from an emergency dental visit, making your next steps steadier. Just let your Albuquerque dentist explain how it all works. So, here are four things that should happen at your emergency dental visit.
A Same-Day Appointment
For starters, you can expect your dental visit to be a same-day appointment. You may even see a dentist just a few hours after your initial call.
The simple fact is that dentists want to treat dental emergencies quickly. With prompt care, your urgent oral issue is less likely to cause harsh side effects or pain. Most dental practices will thus see you either for a same-day visit or a few days later. While you wait, some also provide first-aid tips over the phone to help you manage.
A Quick (But Thorough) Oral Exam
Once you arrive for your visit, the dentist will need to learn the source of your dental dilemma. That means you should expect them to perform a quick emergency exam.
In essence, an emergency oral exam looks at the site of your pain. It focuses on this problem area to better grasp the issue and the most suitable treatment for it. To that end, it can include digital X-rays so your diagnosis is more accurate.
A Review of Your Treatment Options
Your dentist will understand your mouth problem after the oral exam. That being the case, expect them to review some good treatment options with you.
Dentistry tends to have more than one way to treat a given oral issue. For that reason, a dentist will often outline several services you could choose from. This setup lets you select the option that suits you best, accounting for both treatment quality and cost.
Crucial Relief for Your Aching Smile
Your dental team will quickly address your pain after they settle your treatment plan. By that point, they’ll use their training, experience, and resources to give your smile some relief.
Depending on your problem, dentists have several ways to relieve oral pain. The most direct option is an in-office treatment that solves the underlying cause. On the other hand, a dentist could prescribe painkillers to take after you return home. They could also inject an anesthetic to offer faster relief.
By knowing what to expect at an emergency dental visit, you’ll feel less unsettled by your urgent oral matter. Note the facts above so your treatment goes much more smoothly.
About the Practice
Valer Dental is based in Albuquerque, NM. Led by Drs. Lightheart, Lo, and Belle, our practice offers affordable and varied family dental care for all ages. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, or restorative work, we’ll ensure your smile gets on the right track. Our team can even treat dental emergencies through same-day visits! For more details or to book a visit, please reach us on our website or by phone at (505)-257-2000.