When is it Time to See an Emergency Dentist?

July 30, 2023

Tooth pain can strike unexpectedly. Whether due to an injury, infection, or other issue, dental emergencies can cause unbearable pain and require immediate attention. In such situations, knowing when to call an emergency dentist and avoid further complications is crucial. At OliveTree Dentistry, we offer emergency dentistry in Sunnyvale, TX, to help relieve your pain and care for your oral health. 

In addition to emergency dentistry, Dr. Merlin Koshy and her team of skilled professionals offer endodontic services, ensuring your dental health is in good hands. And if you’re looking for ways to restore your teeth, our restorative dentistry in Sunnyvale, TX, can help you bring back your smile. And these are just some of the quality dental services we offer. 

At OliveTree Dentistry, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality dental care, no matter their needs. Today we’ll go over the steps involved with emergency dentistry treatment to help you feel more prepared and at ease should you ever need immediate dental attention.

Common Dental Emergencies

The following are common dental emergencies and some information on when to seek emergency dental care.

Severe Tooth Pain: If you are experiencing severe tooth pain that refuses to subside with over-the-counter painkillers, it could indicate a severe infection, abscess, or pulpitis. These conditions require immediate care from an emergency dentist to prevent further damage to the tooth or surrounding tissues.

Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth: If you’ve suffered trauma to the mouth resulting in a broken or knocked-out tooth, don’t delay seeking emergency dental care. Try to save the knocked-out tooth by placing it in a glass of milk and bringing it to your appointment. Dr. Koshy can reimplant it if it is done quickly enough.

Lost Filling or Crown: While losing a filling or crown may not be as severe as a knocked-out tooth, it can cause significant pain and lead to further tooth damage over time. Seek emergency dental care to have the filling replaced or the crown recemented before it causes more damage to the tooth.

Severe Bleeding or Swelling: If you are experiencing severe bleeding or swelling in the mouth, it could indicate an infection or abscess that requires immediate dental care. Don’t wait to seek emergency dental care, as the infection can spread and cause further complications.

What to Expect

Evaluation and Diagnosis

The first step involved in emergency dentistry treatment is receiving an evaluation and diagnosis of the problem. When you arrive at OliveTree Dentistry for an emergency appointment, our team will begin by assessing your situation and determining the extent of the issue. Depending on the severity of the problem, we may need to take X-rays or other diagnostic tests to understand the cause of your dental emergency better.

Pain Management

Many dental emergencies are accompanied by significant pain and discomfort. Once we have evaluated your situation, our team will work to manage your pain and ensure you are comfortable. This pain management may include administering a local anesthetic or medication to alleviate discomfort.

Treatment Plan

After we have evaluated and diagnosed your dental emergency, we will develop a customized treatment plan to address the issue. This plan may involve anything from repairing a chipped tooth or filling a cavity to performing root canal therapy or extracting a tooth. Our team will walk you through the treatment plan and explain the steps involved so that you feel comfortable and informed.

Follow-Up Care

Depending on the nature of your dental emergency, follow-up care may be necessary to ensure that the issue is fully resolved and that you are healing correctly. Our team will make sure to schedule any appointments for follow-up care, and we will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your teeth and gums in the days and weeks after your emergency dentistry treatment.

Prevention and Education

At OliveTree Dentistry, we believe preventing dental emergencies is as important as treating them. Following your emergency dentistry treatment, our team will work with you to develop a personalized dental care plan that focuses on prevention and education. We will offer tips on maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding dental trauma, and recognizing the warning signs of potential dental issues so that you can take proactive steps to protect your oral health.

Emergency Dentist in Sunnyvale, TX

At OliveTree Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. That’s why we offer emergency dentistry services to ensure you receive the care you need as soon as possible. 

Dental emergencies can be scary and stressful, but knowing when to seek emergency dental care can make all the difference in preserving your oral health and preventing further complications. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact us immediately, and we’ll be there to assist you.

Request Your Appointment Today

Please click the link to conveniently schedule your appointment with OliveTree Dentistry. A member of our team will contact you to confirm your selection. We look forward to caring for your smile!