Whether you’ve developed a sudden and severe toothache or realized you just lost a dental crown, oral emergencies often strike when you least expect them. Thankfully, many dentists reserve time for same-day visits to handle urgent issues so that you don’t have to wait long to be seen.

But you might hesitate to contact your dentist if you’re feeling anxious or unsure of what to expect from your appointment. Continue reading to learn about 4 steps you can usually expect your emergency dentist to take to help soothe your frayed nerves, so you can get the help you need!

Step #1: Examination & Imaging

Every smile is completely unique, meaning that every dental emergency is, too. When you arrive, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to determine exactly what happened. This sometimes requires diagnostic X-rays or a dental CT/cone-beam scan, which can create a comprehensive 3D image of your teeth, jaw, skull, and other pertinent structures.

Once your provider has identified the root cause and assessed the extent of the damage, they can begin developing a customized treatment plan to address it.

Step #2: Treatment Plan

Next, your dentist will take the time to walk you through the details of the procedures needed to treat the main issue. For instance, chronic toothaches caused by infection can often be alleviated with a root canal, followed by placing a dental crown so you can continue using the injured tooth to eat, speak, and smile confidently.

Once you’ve had a chance to approve the plan, your provider will begin making appropriate preparations.

Step #3: Pain Management

Plenty of dental emergencies are due to physical trauma or involve issues like decayed, infected, or broken teeth, which can be incredibly uncomfortable. If you’re hurting, anxious, struggling to sit still, or have a sensitive gag reflex, your provider might offer dental sedation to help ease any associated aches. This can also help you feel calmer and more relaxed so that you can undergo the service(s) needed to treat the root cause of your urgent issue.

For instance, nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is inhaled through a mask placed over your nose while your dentist works, and oral conscious medication can be prescribed as a pill that you take before your procedure begins. You might even be a good candidate for IV sedation, which is administered directly to the bloodstream.

Step #4: Starting Your Procedure

Once you’re feeling more at ease, your dentist can begin your procedure. In some cases, they may be able to complete everything in a single visit. However, some services, like scaling and root planning or placing dental crowns, usually require multiple appointments. Depending on your circumstances, your provider might start your treatment right away, but may need to schedule additional follow-up visits to complete it.

Remember, most oral problems only get worse the longer they remain untreated, so it’s important to contact your emergency dentist sooner rather than later!

Meet the Author

Dr. Dean Hutto has over 30 years of experience helping families build and maintain the healthiest, most beautiful versions of their smiles. He earned his dental degree from the University of Texas Dental Branch in Houston, and is a proud graduate of the Hornbrook Group and the Misch International Implant Institute. Today, he uses state-of-the-art technology to deliver a complete menu of services, including same-day emergency visits and multiple types of sedation, all under one roof to meet your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling the office at (281) 422-8248.