Emergency/palliative dental care refers to dental treatment that is provided on an urgent or as-needed basis for patients experiencing dental emergencies or severe dental pain. This type of care is intended to provide relief from symptoms and to prevent the dental issue from worsening until more comprehensive treatment can be performed.
Examples of dental emergencies that may require emergency/palliative dental care include:
Severe toothache or sensitivity
Dental abscess or infection
Broken, cracked, or knocked-out teeth
Broken or lost fillings or crowns
Loose or broken braces or orthodontic appliances
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts, punctures, or lacerations to the lips, tongue, or cheeks
Emergency/palliative dental care may involve pain relief, such as the use of topical or injectable anesthesia or pain medications. It may also involve minor repairs, such as the re-cementation of crowns or fillings, or the placement of temporary restorations to protect damaged teeth.
If you are experiencing a dental emergency or severe dental pain, it is important to seek prompt medical attention in order to avoid further damage or complications.