A toothache is always a sign that something is wrong. While a lot of the time people can manage their pain with OTC medication and other at-home measures, there may come a time when the toothache becomes severe.
And if your child is the one dealing with the toothache, then you’re likely feeling even more overwhelmed.
In these cases, an emergency dentist is your best shot at removing the discomfort and restoring your child’s oral health.
Here’s what an emergency dentist can do for a toothache:
First, an emergency dentist can see patients outside the regular hours of their practice, just like in an emergency room. Since there is no telling when a toothache can hit, your regular dentist may not be available at odd hours or on the weekends.
Once you come for your emergency visit, the very first thing the dentist will do is see what is causing the toothache.
They may examine the little one’s teeth in several ways, including X-Rays to gain a better view of their oral health. This stage is essential because it will allow the dentist to determine the best possible treatment.
The emergency dentist may numb the tooth or even recommend sedation to help the child feel calm and not experience any pain during the procedure.
Sedation and local anesthetics are nothing to worry about, and will only be recommended if truly necessary.
Tooth pain can be caused by many different things:
Based on what they find, the emergency dentist will begin treatment during your first appointment. In some cases, the issue can be fixed in just one visit, and the child will walk away completely pain-free.
However, some dental issues such as a large infection may require multiple visits. The emergency dentist will therefore schedule the child for some follow-up visits if necessary.
Your emergency dentist can also provide you with some great ways to care for your child’s oral health and prevent these situations from happening. Patient education is essential in reducing the risk of dental damage, and parents often need a bit more help in this department.
For example, if the child’s dealing with pain caused by a cavity, the dentist may recommend ways to improve their oral hygiene and keep their oral health in check.
Whether your child is experiencing a severe toothache or any other dental emergency, Dr. Matt can see them as soon as possible.
Call our offices at (763) 390-8575 any time to access swift care.
For a regular visit, book an appointment at Maple Grove Pediatric Dentistry online.