What Will Happen During Your Emergency Dental Appointment?

December 29, 2025

Woman in dental chair with toothache

If you have a toothache, a cracked tooth, or another type of dental emergency, you will naturally want to schedule an appointment with your dentist as quickly as possible. After all, the sooner you can have an expert look at the problem, the sooner you can get the relief you deserve. But if you’ve never had an emergency dental appointment before, you may find yourself wondering what to expect. Here’s a quick overview of what will happen when you visit your dentist for urgent care.

Emergency Examination

The first step of your emergency dental appointment will be to perform a thorough examination of your mouth. Your dentist will need to gather as much information about your situation as possible so that they can accurately identify the source of the problem and determine your best options for treatment.

During your emergency examination, your dentist will check for gum inflammation, damaged enamel, and other concerning symptoms. They may also take X-rays in order to identify any underlying issues that may not be visible to the naked eye alone.

Diagnosis

Once your dentist has completed their examination, they’ll be able to make a proper diagnosis. They’ll take the time to explain what the true cause of the problem is as well as how much damage has already been done. Needless to say, an accurate diagnosis is essential for creating an effective treatment plan.

Pain Relief

Many types of dental emergencies are accompanied by some level of pain. After your dentist has learned more about your situation, they will be able to take steps to address your immediate discomfort. In some cases, this might involve administering a local anesthetic to numb the area.  You may also be prescribed some type of pain reliever depending on the situation.

Create a Treatment Plan

Sometimes it may be possible for your dentist to treat the underlying source of the problem during your initial emergency visit. In other cases, however, an additional visit might be required. Your dentist will work with you to create a treatment plan so that you can get the care you need as quickly as possible. Don’t worry; before you need to commit to your treatment plan, you’ll be given an estimate of the cost and the expected timeline.

Bear in mind that this is just a general outline of what your emergency dental appointment will look like. Obviously, the specifics of your care will vary depending on the nature of your emergency. Rest assured, though, that no matter what kind of dental issue you’re suffering from, you can count on your dentist to provide the care you need to get your oral health back on track.

About the Practice

At A New Smile Dental Canyon Country, our team is bringing patients in Santa Clarita the comprehensive, personalized dental care that they deserve. We’re proud to offer same-day appointments for children and adults who require treatment for damaged teeth and other urgent dental issues. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you need emergency dental care, you can request an appointment at our practice by calling (661) 251-0480.