They may be rare, but orthodontic emergencies do happen from time to time. They can include regular toothaches, loose brackets, or even a broken or poking wire. The upside is that you can learn how treatments for them go ahead of time, ensuring you’re prepared for care. Your Palm Harbor orthodontist will even give you a primer on the matter. To that end, here are four things to expect during an emergency orthodontic visit.
A Speedy Appointment
In most cases, an emergency orthodontic visit takes place soon after you book one. It can be a same-day appointment or a session held several days later.
A good orthodontist will want to treat an urgent orthodontic issue quickly. That way, the problem at hand is less likely to cause harsh side effects or aches. Most orthodontic practices will thus see you for a same-day visit or a few days after. As you wait, some can also provide first-aid tips to help you manage.
A Quick Emergency Oral Exam
When you first see them, the orthodontist will try to learn the source of your problem. That means you can expect them to do a quick emergency exam.
Per its name, an emergency oral exam only looks at the site of your pain. This process checks the problem area to grasp your issue and the best possible treatment. Since it only focuses on orthodontic issues, it doesn’t often include digital X-rays and the like.
A Review of Your Treatment Options
The orthodontist will know your problem after they’ve examined you. At that point, you can expect them to review some suitable treatment options.
Like dentists, orthodontists often have more than one way to treat an issue. That fact lets them outline several options you could choose from. You can then select the option that suits you best, taking treatment quality and cost into account.
The Orthodontic Care You Need
An orthodontic team will address your pain once they settle your treatment plan. In particular, they’ll rely on their advanced training, experience, and resources to offer crucial relief.
Orthodontists have several ways to treat emergencies. If you have metal braces, they may adjust or replace the loose or broken part bothering you. They could also inject an anesthetic or prescribe pain medication to reduce a toothache. Similarly, an orthodontist could place some wax to keep your device from cutting your lips, cheeks, or tongue.
When you know what’ll happen at an emergency orthodontic visit, it’ll go more smoothly for you. So, keep the facts above in mind as you head into treatment.
About the Practice
Dr. Alex Johnson Orthodontics is based in Palm Harbor, FL. Led by our own Dr. Alex Johnson, our practice has given patients pretty and aligned smiles for thirty years! We’ve spent that time offering orthodontic work for all ages, ranging from standard metal braces to Invisalign clear aligners. Naturally, our team is also ready to handle your family’s orthodontic emergencies. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (727)-786-7550.