Dental Emergency Pre-Visit Instructions

What You Should Do Before Your Emergency Dental Appointment

Dental emergencies can happen at any time and may include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, gum swelling or bleeding, and abscesses. At Atlas Dental, we prioritize your care by performing a thorough exam, taking digital X-rays, diagnosing the issue, and presenting treatment options. Getting prompt treatment from a qualified dentist is crucial to protecting your oral health and preventing long-term damage. Follow these pre-visit instructions to make the most of your emergency dental appointment.

1. Complete the New Patient Form

If it’s your first visit to our dental clinic, be sure to fill out our New Patient Form online. Having your information ready in advance helps us provide efficient care when you arrive.

2. Bring Dental Insurance Information

If you have private dental insurance, don’t forget to bring your insurance card. Please note that we do not accept ODSP, OW, or HSO insurance at this time.

3. Eat Normally Before Your Appointment

Eat your usual meals on the day of your emergency dental visit, but try to avoid chewing on the affected tooth to minimize discomfort or damage. Soft foods like scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, and mashed potatoes can be easier on your teeth.

4. Medications

Take your prescribed medications as usual unless otherwise instructed by your dentist or doctor. Inform your dentist if you’ve had any recent changes in your medications or health status.

5. Manage Dental Pain

If you’re in pain before your appointment, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help. A typical recommendation is 1000mg acetaminophen combined with 600mg ibuprofen every 4-6 hours, but check with your dentist to confirm the right dosage for you.

6. Antibiotics

In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics before your visit, especially if an infection is present. Follow the prescription exactly to ensure the infection is under control before your treatment.

7. Prepare for a Comfortable Visit

Consider bringing headphones to your appointment if you’d like to listen to music or a podcast to help you relax during treatment.

8. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Keep the affected area clean before your emergency visit without causing more discomfort. Here are a few tips:

• Brush Twice a Day: Brush your teeth at least twice daily—ideally after meals. This helps keep your teeth clean and minimizes the risk of worsening the issue.
• Rinse When Brushing Isn’t Possible: If you can’t brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to remove debris.
• Upgrade Your Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is gentle on enamel and gums. We recommend the Curaprox CS5460 Ultra Soft Swiss Toothbrush or upgrading to an electric toothbrush like the Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 for better plaque removal.
• Floss Daily: Flossing removes plaque and food particles between teeth. GUM ButlerWeave Dental Floss or dental flossers like Sunstar GUM Advanced Care Flossers can make the process easier.
• Use a Water Flosser: A Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser can complement regular flossing by flushing out food particles and plaque.
• Mouthwash and Toothpaste: Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash and use a fluoride toothpaste for cavity prevention and gum health. We recommend Colgate Total Advanced Professional Clean Toothpaste and Colgate Total 12HR Pro-Shield CPC Mouthwash.

9. What to Wear

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your emergency dental appointment. Avoid white or light-colored tops to prevent visible staining, and keep makeup, high heels, and jewelry to a minimum. If you wear contact lenses, consider removing them before your appointment, especially if you expect an extended procedure.

10. Pre-Visit Instructions for Common Emergency Dental Procedures

Be sure to review our specific pre-visit guides for popular emergency dental treatments like:

• Dental Fillings
• Fixed Lingual Wire Retainers
• Root Canal Treatment
• Dental Crowns or Dental Bridges
• Tooth Extractions or Wisdom Tooth Removal
• Dental Implants or Bone Grafts

Have Questions?

If you have any concerns or need more information about your upcoming emergency dental appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us.