It’s amazing how just one problem tooth can throw your entire life out of whack. Yesterday was normal, and now you’re losing sleep and can’t focus because of a toothache. The fastest, most effective, and safest way to get relief is to reach out to your emergency dentist in El Reno, but what will happen when you get to the office? It’s understandable to be stressed right now, but there’s actually no need to worry.
Always Call First
While many dental practices give patients the option to schedule appointments online or just walk in, in an emergency, it’s always best to call the office directly. It’s the quickest way, even if you’re leaving a message after hours, of getting in touch and making sure the dentist is able to adjust their day so you’re seen as soon as possible. Plus, it gives you a chance to explain your symptoms so the team can determine whether or not you need to come in immediately or at your earliest convenience.
Getting Started: Emergency Exam
The underlying source of a dental problem can be hard to pinpoint. Tooth pain can stem from decay, a crack, infection, or even sinus issues in some cases! So, assuming you’ve explained your symptoms over the phone, your dentist will briefly confirm them (mostly to see if anything has changed) before performing an exam.
This will consist of a visual inspection of your tooth and mouth as well as capturing X-ray images to identify anything that might be going on below the surface. Between their trained eyes and the technology, they’ll figure out exactly what is going on.
Discussing Solutions
Contrary to what you might have seen in movies and on TV, your dentist can offer several options for emergencies beyond just pulling the tooth and calling it a day.
First and foremost, they will give you something for pain, whether it’s oral medication or an anesthetic injection directly into the area. Your dentist will then present a variety of treatment plans so you can choose the one that best suits you. Do you want a quick fix that will get you out the door ASAP, or do you want them to repair the tooth as much as they can right now? Each option will come with its own estimated cost and timeline so you can weigh everything and make the best decision for your situation.
Often, the dentist will be able to provide a short-term solution at the emergency appointment itself, and a follow-up will be scheduled to perform a more long-term treatment (like a dental crown or dental implant for a missing tooth).
Applying Treatment
After you and your dentist have agreed on a plan of action, they’ll get to work. The goal will be to have you leave the office (mostly) pain-free and ensure the problem won’t become worse in the near future.
Thankfully, most procedures used for emergency dentistry (root canal treatment, extractions, and crowns) are partially covered by dental insurance. You may be asked to pay for treatment upfront so you can be reimbursed later, or the team might be able to file directly on your behalf.
Going to the emergency dentist is not like the ERs you see in medical shows. While there will certainly be urgency so you can get the help you need without delay, it won’t involve everyone yelling, running, and panicking. Rather, your dentist will listen to your concerns, figure out what is going on, and stop your pain.
About the Practice
Dr. Krysten Jackson and Dr. Eric Parsons are husband-and-wife emergency dentists who graduated from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. Dr. Jackson completed an elite Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency there, and Dr. Parsons is constantly training to use the latest technology to deliver the most comfortable and effective treatment possible.
If you’re dealing with dental pain or a severely damaged tooth, you can schedule an emergency appointment right away by calling (405) 262-6737.