When your tooth hurts, there's no time to waste. The sooner you contact your dentist, the sooner you can get the treatment that will allow you to feel better. Many dental offices offer emergency dental care to new and existing patients. Here are four services that you can take advantage of when you call a dental office to deal with a dental emergency:

1. Get immediate treatment for cavities and other concerns.

Waiting even a day can seem like a lifetime when dealing with dental pain. Fortunately, emergency dental services can often see patients on the same day. Minor issues, like lost fillings and toothaches, can usually be treated in-office so patients can have immediate relief. Your emergency dentist can offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and anything else you need to have a safe and comfortable dental care experience.

2. Receive relief from your pain.

Sometimes, dentists cannot perform restorative care immediately. You may need to see a specialist or complete a round of medication before restorative work can begin. However, that doesn't mean you have to suffer in pain until you can see a specialist. Dentists can prescribe opiate pain medication to help patients deal with severe dental pain. When used as directed, these medications can help you manage your pain until you can solve the problem for good.

3. Get referrals to other specialists.

Emergency dentists can also provide referrals when they can't treat the problem themselves. If you're dealing with a broken tooth or dental abscess, you may be referred to an endodontist who specializes in the pulp of the tooth. Emergency dentists can also refer patients to periodontists who can help them deal with pain arising from periodontitis and other diseases of the gums and jawbone.

4. Get antibiotics to treat infections.

Infections can occur below the gum line in your mouth. These infections can cause painful abscesses that can make it hard to chew or even close your mouth. Dental infections won't go away on their own, and they can worsen if left untreated. If you arrive at your emergency dental office complaining of pain, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to treat an active infection. Finishing a course of antibiotics before undergoing dental work can make the process more comfortable. This is because an active infection can make local anesthesia less effective, so it's important to treat the cause of your infection before proceeding with treatment. 

For more info, visit a local dental office. 

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