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Emergency Dentist Checkup: Diagnosing the Issue

Tuesday - November 21st, 2017
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Have you ever felt that something wasn’t quite right with your teeth, but weren’t sure where to start? Being aware of your teeth is crucial to keeping it healthy. If you’ve got a persisting toothache, or notice symptoms that have left you questioning the healthiness of your smile, you might be in need of a visit to your emergency dentist. Even if you can’t pinpoint what’s wrong, an emergency dental checkup is a great way to put your mind and your smile at ease. Use a dentist near me search to find the nearest Monarch Dental location to see a dentist the minute your concerns spring up.

When is an Emergency Dentist Checkup Useful?

Knowing when it’s time to call and schedule an emergency dental checkup can ultimately save your smile. Even if the issue is a mere toothache, small problems can turn into major dental issues if left untreated. It’s always better for patients to err on the side of caution when it comes to the health of your smile. There are several times when an emergency dentist checkup is useful:

Issue: Toothache

Treatment: This will depend on what’s causing your toothache. If your toothache has persisted for more than a few weeks, or has increased in pain and sensitivity, a dental checkup can allow a dentist to see what’s causing the toothache. Toothaches can derive from numerous causes, ranging from a cavity and gum disease to an abscessed tooth.

Issue: Chipped tooth

Treatment: If you’ve had an accident that involves chipping or breaking a tooth you should see an emergency dentist. If the chip is small and isn’t causing a lot of discomfort, you may be able to wait a few days to see your dentist – just don’t let it go untreated. If the chip is more severe, causing any nerves to be exposed, you’ll want to see a dentist immediately. From there, your dentist will recommend treating it with a compositing filling or bonding, or dental crowns or veneers.

Issue: Abscessed tooth

Treatment: An abscessed tooth is an infected tooth that requires immediate treatment. Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include pus, bad breath, foul taste in the mouth, pain and sensitivity, and discoloration. If you notice any of these signs, please use a dentist near me search to find an office that offers emergency dental hours. Your emergency dentist will assess the state of the abscessed tooth and then see if they are able to treat the infection. At times, this may require a full extraction of the tooth. Treating an abscessed tooth the minute you notice it’s happening is crucial in preventing infection from spreading to the rest of your body or mouth.

There are so many ways to prevent an abscessed tooth at home. With proper oral hygiene and routine professional teeth cleanings, many patients are able to keep their teeth healthy and disease free. It’s only when these habits are left to the wayside that patients start to experience tooth decay or gum disease. A routine dental checkup is ideal, but if you notice you’re experiencing signs of an infected tooth you should visit an emergency dentist right away.

Issue: Knocked out tooth

Treatment: Sometimes, freak accidents can happen when it comes to your smile. From car accidents to sports injury, your dentist has probably seen it all. If you have a tooth that’s been knocked out you can rinse your mouth out with saltwater to clean the area. Apply pressure to the area to stop any bleeding. If you have the removed tooth, try to keep it moist before coming to the dentist. From there, your emergency dentist can work to restore your smile. If you’ve experienced major trauma, you may want to seek medical attention to make sure you don’t have any nerve damage or trauma to other areas of the body.

Issue: Swollen glands

Treatment: If you’re experiencing swelling in the jaw or neck line, you should call an emergency dentist to make sure you don’t have an infection. An infection that can occur within this region is a salivary gland infection that blocks saliva from breaking down food and ridding your mouth of bacteria. An infection can indicate a blockage and should be treated before it affects the rest of your body.

During Your Emergency Dentist Checkup

Your emergency dental checkup differs from a normal dental checkup because your dentist is looking at treating a localized region of your mouth. For example, if you come in with a toothache on one particular tooth, your emergency dentist is going to focus their energy and time looking at diagnosing the issue with that tooth. With a general oral exam, your dentist is looking for broader signs of gum disease or tooth decay, as well as oral cancer. Emergency dental checkups are reserved for those moments in your life where waiting isn’t an option. While it can be difficult for patients to determine whether or not they should see an emergency dentist they should be asking themselves: Am I risking losing a tooth? Am I experiencing an infection or fever? If either of these answers are yes, you should be using a dentist near me search to find an emergency dentist that can cater to your needs.

During your emergency dental checkup you’ll want to bring a few items with you, including your dental insurance and identification. If you have the ability to bring in previous dental X-rays and your medical history, it can help your dentist pinpoint what’s causing your symptoms much quicker. Your dentist will most likely want to get a dental X-ray to get a view of what’s going on with your teeth in that moment. From there, they can address the dental issue and provide you with several treatment options. Understanding your medical history can also help them determine if you are particularly prone to infections, which can help them in seeking the right treatment.

Depending on what’s caused your emergency dental checkup, your dentist might be able to treat you that same day. If you had a chipped tooth and need a filling or bonding to recover, often dentists are able to perform the treatment within an hour. More extensive treatments such as a tooth extraction or dental crown may require more than one appointment. If you’ve got advanced periodontal disease, your dentist might prescribe a deep cleaning which can take several visits before your teeth can recover. The best way to avoid these types of emergency appointments is with proper preventative oral care, meaning routine cleanings and oral hygiene at home.

How Much Will the Dental Checkup Cost?

Cost of your emergency dental checkup will ultimately depend on what’s behind your dental issue. Financial concerns shouldn’t derail you from visiting a dentist, as your oral health is just as important as the rest of your body. If you think you need to see an emergency dentist, you might be surprised to find that Monarch Dental locations accept most dental insurance plans that can cover the cost of your visit and treatment.

We also take pride in providing affordable, quality emergency dental care, which is why we offer flexible payment plans or financing options for those dental visits that just can’t wait. You can’t put a price on a healthy smile, and when you know it’s time for an emergency visit, Monarch Dental will be there.

Dentist Near Me

Diagnosing your dental issue is a top priority for dentists. It’s our job to help you keep your teeth disease free so you can smile often. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms that should be seen by a dentist, you can look to an emergency dental checkup to treat your teeth at hand. You can make an appointment with our Monarch Dental staff by visiting us online or calling us at 1-844-800-7645. When it comes to dental issues, prevention is the best measure for a healthy smile.