Tucson Endodontist

Emergency DentistTucson, AZ

Root canals and damaged teeth are two of the most common reasons that individuals seek out an emergency dentist. Dental emergencies might arise when you least expect them to. Whether you are dealing with swollen gums or wisdom tooth discomfort, preparing for an emergency dental appointment is crucial.

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An appointment with the emergency dentist

The emergency dentist will need to diagnose the condition before recommending any treatment. They might recommend X-rays for this purpose. The patient may be aware of the source of their discomfort, particularly if they have previously had treatment there. Sometimes, the patient may call and report feeling pain somewhere, but they will not be able to specify where it is. The dentist will examine the gums for any symptoms of infection or inflammation. The exposure of nerves is another typical reason for an emergency visit. 

The dentist will also check for wisdom tooth problems and crown loss. A fractured tooth, particularly one with sharp edges, might cause worry. There are situations when the issue is below the gum line, such as when a wisdom tooth erupts.

Pain relief

Most patients in emergency dental offices present with complaints of severe pain. It is important to be specific when describing the discomfort. The dentist will do their best to treat the underlying cause after conducting a thorough examination. However, it may take antibiotics or other necessary drugs several hours to begin working.

Therefore, it is common practice to start with in-office pain treatment. In addition, patients may need to continue taking pain medication even after leaving the office. An injection in the affected region might provide almost instantaneous relief. After that, anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics can help treat any infection or swelling. However, a second appointment may be needed to address the underlying issue. Emergency dentists can provide a stopgap to give patients more time.

The dentist will try to make the patient comfortable throughout the dental visit. For instance, a portion of the gum may be removed to alleviate painful rubbing and swelling in the case of a damaged tooth. However, a second appointment will be required in order for the dentist to decide if they can save or must remove the tooth. A complete root canal procedure may also be possible during this appointment.

Other issues will need further help. Dental veneers, crowns, bridges, and other dental prosthetics may need re-creation or repair from the dentist if they sustain damage.

When patients come in for emergency dental care, they may not be in the right state of mind to make judgments regarding treatment and the associated fees. Therefore, the dentist will provide pain relief in the moment and allow patients to figure out the next steps afterward.

Common conditions that require an emergency dentist

Seeing an emergency dentist is the last resort to alleviate severe pain or other distress for most patients. Here are a few of the most frequent situations in which this is required.

Toothache

When experiencing tooth pain, it is crucial to find out the cause. Having something wedged between the teeth or an infection in the pulp are two typical causes of dental pain. There are a few situations where it is crucial to see an emergency dentist immediately, like when the pain is severe or sudden or worsens progressively. While waiting for medical attention, a cold compress might reduce swelling and pain.

Breaks or chips

Tooth damage may occur by biting down on something hard, by using one's teeth for purposes other than biting and eating, or from an accident. The risk of tooth damage increases for those who grind or clench their teeth. When a tooth is broken or chipped, immediate attention from an emergency dentist is necessary. Patients need to rinse the broken tooth, put it in a glass of milk or water, and take it to the emergency dentist.

Loose or knocked-out teeth

Any trauma to the face that results in loose or knocked-out teeth needs emergency dental treatment. If a tooth becomes loose, it is crucial to keep it in place. Patients can hold the tooth by gently biting down on it. Knocked-out teeth should be located if possible. If the tooth is lost and found, patients should only touch it by the crown and rinse it. When trying to save a tooth that has been knocked out, there are two options: putting it back in its socket or getting a dental implant.

Soft tissue injury

The lips, gums,  inside of the cheeks, and tongue are all soft tissues of the mouth. Patients should contact the emergency dentist for further guidance when these structures are injured. When an unexpected dental problem arises, it may be necessary to visit an emergency room, especially if there is profuse bleeding. Patients can clean lacerations, punctures, and tears with warm water before applying pressure to stop bleeding.

Loose or missing dental restorations

Restorations, whether permanent or temporary, have the potential to get dislodged or fall out. Regardless of the restoration type, emergency dental treatment is crucial. Patients can use denture glue, chapstick, or Vaseline to secure the restoration until a visit to the dentist is possible.

Conclusion

A trip to the emergency dentist may provide you with the immediate care that you need and lay the groundwork for a longer-term solution to any lingering issues. Dental emergencies generally include severe mouth pain, broken or loose teeth, damage to the gums or other soft tissues, and missing fillings or crowns. If any of these dental crises ever occur in your household, you should seek immediate care from an emergency dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.

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Casas Adobes Dentistry is located at 7520 N. Oracle Rd. Suite 200 Tucson, AZ 85704.

(520) 365-0559

Appointment changes require a call during business hours to avoid charges. Please no text, email, or voicemail.*