Quick Care, Happy Smile: What to Expect During Your Urgent Dental Visit

August 11, 2025

Woman at her emergency dental appointment

As you go about your day, it’s normal to expect that everything will go as planned. Unfortunately, life has ways to throw a curveball, and you may find yourself in a dental emergency. These situations can be stressful, and the visit to your dentist can also be worrying if you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, these urgent trips help you get the care you need, so keep reading to learn what happens during these appointments.

Step #1: Oral Assessment

Once you are on the phone with your dentist, they will talk to you about the situation you are experiencing. They will help you determine whether you need to come in right away or in the near future. When they get a better understanding, you’ll be advised on how to care for your oral health until you get to the office, typically on the same day.

When you arrive, you’ll get checked in and taken to your treatment room. Your provider will swing by and do an oral assessment and might take an X-ray. With all this information, the problem can be diagnosed.

Step #2: Treatment

Depending on your dental emergency, you may be able to get the treatment you need right away. Minor ones, like a filling, can be done during that same visit. If you require a more in-depth service, such as a root canal, or don’t have time, then you will be given a temporary solution until you can come back. In any instance, your comfort will be prioritized. You will be given a powerful local anesthetic and sedation (if necessary) to give you relief while your provider works. 

Step #3: Schedule Follow-Up

Your dentist will finish your treatment, then talk to you about when they want to see you next. Since you needed urgent care, they will likely want you back in a few days or weeks. This will help them ensure that you are healing properly or give you the procedure you need initially. Regardless, this follow-up appointment is important to ensure the problem has been fixed.

While a dental emergency can be worrying, you shouldn’t feel that way about your urgent trip. Your dentist is here to help you get the relief you deserve. In no time, your oral health will get back to pristine, and you can show off a pain-free smile once again!

About the Practice

At Advanced Dental Associates of South Tampa, you benefit from an experienced team of dentists who look after you and your grin. If you find yourself in a dental emergency, our goal is to help give you the treatment you need as soon as possible. We offer same-day appointments to let you feel your best right away. With state-of-the-art technology, you enjoy procedures that are both quick and effective. If you are in need of urgent dental care, the fastest way to contact us is by calling (813) 831-8588.