(215) 677-2401
Are you experiencing a toothache or another issue? Dental emergencies always seem to happen out of the blue, so they can be stressful to deal with. Fortunately, you don’t need to wait until your next checkup to be seen by your dentist. Dentists have time set aside to address more urgent dental issues that can’t wait. By giving your dentist a call, you can schedule an emergency visit. Continue reading to learn what you can expect.
Dental Examination
The first step of your emergency visit includes an oral examination. During this time, your dentist will check out the area that’s causing you discomfort to determine the best way to treat it. This step often includes x-rays to help the clinical team see if something is going on under the surface. Some things that your dentist will keep an eye out for include:
- Gum inflammation
- Tooth decay
- Signs of infection
- Exposed nerves
- Damage to restorations
- Problematic wisdom teeth
- Broken teeth
Pain Relief
In addition to treating the ailment, one of the priorities of your dentist is to ensure that you feel comfortable. If you’re experiencing pain, describe it in detail to your dentist. To eliminate discomfort, you may need a local anesthetic or pain relievers. The use of anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics is also sometimes necessary to clear up swelling or infection.
Common Emergency Treatments
Here are some of the most common treatments for dental emergencies:
- Dental Fillings: If you’re feeling discomfort due to minor decay, the damaged portion of the tooth can be removed and replaced with a tooth-colored filling.
- Root Canal Therapy: For severe toothaches due to infected teeth, root canal therapy may be necessary. This involves removing the infected pulp of the tooth before filling and sealing it. Oftentimes, teeth treated in this way are then capped with a dental crown for additional protection.
- Tooth Extractions: Badly decayed teeth that cannot be saved will need to be extracted. Once the problematic tooth is removed, you can discuss tooth replacement options with your dentist.
- Wisdom Tooth Extractions: If your pain is caused by impacted wisdom teeth, extraction is likely to follow.
If you have a dental emergency, there’s no need to stress. By scheduling an emergency visit with your dentist, you can get to the root of the problem. You will have a restored smile and be back to your busy schedule in no time!
About the Practice
At Dentex Dental of Philadelphia, we have a team of five skilled dentists serving the Philadelphia area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need in one convenient location. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we would be happy to help you get some relief. For more information on emergency dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or call (215) 677-3904.