Anchorage Emergency Dentist – Alaska Dental Associates
Alaska Dental Associates
2702 Denali St #201
Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 562-2284
An emergency dentist, as the name suggests, is required when you have an unexpected dental emergency. The primary goal is to give relief from pain and swelling, but they’ll also assist you in cases of trauma, lost crowns, and so on.
What’s the Difference Between An Emergency Dentist and a Regular Dentist?
An emergency dentist can run a general practice, too. The difference between the two is in the treatment outcomes. Think of the emergency dentist as you would a doctor who stabilizes a patient coming into the emergency room.
They’ll provide a temporary solution to last until you arrive at your regular dentist in Anchorage.
What Treatments Do Emergency Dentists Offer?
The treatments offered to you depend on the situation, and they might:
- Provide you with antibiotics and painkillers
- Place a temporary dressing on the affected tooth
- Remove a tooth if there’s no other solution
- Refer you to a specialist
- Give basic advice
Emergency dentists will not offer:
- Complex extractions
- Repairs to dentures
- Repairs for veneers, bridges, or crowns
- Permanent fillings
The dentist will typically not require you to come in for a follow-up consultation, either.
What Classifies as an Emergency?
An emergency is something that is causing you acute pain. Most of the time, this is a result of trauma. Emergency dental treatment doesn’t usually cover the following unless you’re in agony:
- Lost crowns or fillings
- Chips
- General pain
It’s important to remember that the focus here is on stabilizing the tooth. This type of dental care is designed to be a stop-gap measure. You can receive a temporary filling, for example, but more complicated treatments would not be available.
For example, if you have lost a crown and you saw your regular dental care provider, they’d replace it. In an emergency, it’s enough to put in a temporary crown to keep the area clean and protected.
What Do I Need to Do?
You’ll need to phone in for an appointment. Once confirmed, advise the dentist of your medical history. Remember to make a list of the medications that you have been ingesting and take them to the appointment.
The consultation will center on pain management and temporary solutions. The dentist will advise you to see your regular dentist for a more permanent solution as soon as possible. It’s advisable to make an appointment with your regular dental care provider as quickly as possible.
Temporary fillings, for example, are not designed to stay in place forever. If you carry on as usual, they’ll eventually become dislodged. It might mean going back to the emergency dentist anyway, so you’re not saving anything by skipping the second appointment.
Shouldn’t I Wait for My Normal Dentist?
In an ideal world, yes. If you’re up at two o’clock in the morning in so much pain that you can’t sleep, however, you may not be able to wait until the morning. You also can’t afford to wait for a couple of weeks because your regular dentist has no openings.
During regular working hours, we recommend that you call your dentist’s offices and explain the situation. They may be able to find an emergency slot for you. Many dental practices offer these services or partner with other practices that do.
If the receptionist does find a way to squeeze you in, don’t expect a full appointment. The focus will be on pain relief, and a follow-up appointment usually is necessary.
Final Notes
It’s never pleasant to be in pain, and an emergency dental appointment can be a lifesaver. Even though you’re not getting a full treatment plan, you’re receiving the expert attention that you need. It should be more than enough to help you by until you can see your primary dental care provider.
Let us be your emergency dentist!
Contact Alaska Dental Associates at (907)562-2284 for more information about emergency dental services in Anchorage.