Will I Still Have to Be Referred to an Outside Specialist for Treatment?
Most likely, you won’t. One of the great advantages of Dr. Cody Calderwood , your emergency dentist in Park City, is that he is skilled enough to perform many emergency procedures, like root canal therapy and tooth extraction, in-house. Many general dentists do not possess this expertise, often having to send their patients to a specialist like an endodontist, oral surgeon, or periodontist. Rest assured that no matter what your emergency is, you can very likely receive treatment from the dentist you already know and trust.
Do I Still Need Treatment if My Toothache Goes Away?
Some people believe that the occasional tooth pain is normal, but that’s unfortunately not the case. A good rule of thumb is that healthy teeth don’t hurt. If you’re experiencing pain in your tooth, however minor, give us a call so we can figure out what’s going on.
If your toothache goes away on its own, that’s also not a good sign. Many times, intense toothaches are the result of an infection deep within the tooth. When the pain suddenly subsides, odds are it’s because the infection has damaged the nerve inside the tooth, essentially rendering the tooth “dead.” This means that it no longer sends pain signals to the brain. You’ll need to see us for treatment so we can save your tooth from needing an extraction.
I Can’t Afford to See the Dentist. Can I Wait to Go?
Although no one wants to be saddled with a hefty dental bill, when you’re facing a dental emergency, time is of the utmost importance. Especially in the case of a knocked-out tooth, getting to our office in a timely fashion can mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth. We understand that you might be worried about the cost, which is why our team will work with you to develop an affordable solution. We offer financing options like CareCredit, which allows you to fund the care you need with very low interest rates.
How Can I Prepare for a Dental Emergency?
You may think that a dental emergency could never happen to you, but the truth is that one out of every six Americans will deal with one every year. Should you find yourself in that situation, you don’t want to be caught off guard. To make this situation a little less stressful, you can prepare a dental emergency kit with the following items:
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Piece of paper with our contact information
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Handkerchief
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Gauze
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Saline solution
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Small container with a secure lid
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Ibuprofen (don’t use aspirin because it’s an anti-coagulant, which can lead to excessive bleeding)
What Should I Bring With To My Emergency Dentist Appointment?
When you're heading to an emergency dental appointment, it's important to be prepared. Here's a list of things you should consider bringing with you:
ID: Bring a valid form of photo ID, such as a driver's license or ID card. This helps us process any necessary paperwork quickly.
Insurance Information: If you have dental insurance, bring your insurance card or details. This will expedite the process of claiming your treatment costs.
List of Medications: If you're currently taking any medications, bring a list of these, including dosages. This is crucial for Dr. Calderwood to know to avoid prescribing medication that could interact adversely with your current regimen.
Medical History: If you have a history of medical conditions or oral surgeries, it's important to inform us. This includes any known allergies, especially to medications or latex (commonly used in gloves).
A Companion: If you're in severe pain, anxious, or if the procedure might impair your ability to drive home, consider bringing a friend or family member along for support and assistance.
Any Relevant Dental Appliances: If you have any relevant dental appliances, like a broken denture or a dislodged crown, bring them with you.
Emergency Contact Information: In case of a severe emergency or if you're unable to communicate, having an emergency contact listed can be crucial.
Remember, the primary goal of an emergency dental visit is to address pain, swelling, infection, or trauma. Being prepared can help streamline the process and ensure you receive the best possible care.
How Can I Manage Pain Before Getting to the Dentist?
You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for dental pain. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums or aching tooth, as this can burn the gum tissue. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and pain until we can get you in to see Dr. Calderwood.
