What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency typically includes situations like an accident where you break a tooth, a car accident, severe dental pain that prevents you from sleeping, or facial swelling. These conditions require immediate attention. However, minor issues like sensitivity or a chipped filling can wait until regular office hours. For true dental emergencies, it's crucial to call the after-hours number provided by your dentist. They will ensure you get the necessary assistance, often involving direct contact with your dentist.
What do I do if I lose a tooth?
If you lose a tooth, try to remain calm. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root, to avoid damaging the periodontal ligament. If possible, reposition the tooth in its socket immediately. If unsure, place the tooth in milk or a product like Save a Tooth, which can be purchased online or at a dental specialty store. Seek immediate dental care, ideally within 20 minutes, to increase the chances of saving the tooth. Staying composed and contacting your dentist quickly is crucial for the best outcome.
Can you treat a broken tooth in one visit?
Treatment for a broken tooth in one visit depends on the severity of the situation. Minor breaks can often be fixed quickly, while more severe cases, like a broken jaw, may require multiple visits and referrals to specialists such as an endodontist or oral surgeon. The key is to contact your dentist promptly to assess the situation and determine the best course of action.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
For after-hours dental emergencies, such as those resulting from accidents, visiting the ER is advised, as they often have oral surgeons available. For less severe emergencies, contacting your dentist is best. They can coordinate with specialists if needed. It's essential to seek professional help to ensure proper treatment and care.
What can I do to manage severe dental pain at home until my appointment?
For severe dental pain, if there's swelling, contact your dentist as antibiotics may be necessary. For pain management without swelling, over-the-counter medications like Advil and Tylenol can be effective. A combination of 600-800 mg of Advil with an extra-strength Tylenol is often as effective as prescription pain relief. Avoid heat, as it can worsen infections, but ice might help numb the area. Always contact your dentist for guidance specific to your condition.
What is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is an emergency that needs attention right away. Dental cleaning is not a dental emergency. A scheduled filling or a crown appointment that doesn't involve pain or a missing tooth is not a dental emergency. However, if you have inflammation due to an infection or pus causing swelling, that is a dental emergency. Accidents that result in a knocked-out tooth or severe tooth pain preventing sleep are also dental emergencies. In such cases, you should call us immediately. If you're unsure whether your situation is a dental emergency, call or text us, especially after hours, to discuss it. Sometimes it's a case-by-case determination.
What are the common types of dental emergencies and what can be done?
Common dental emergencies include tooth pain, abscess or swelling, wisdom tooth pain, and throbbing toothaches. For throbbing toothaches, call us immediately. Abscesses or swelling that is not draining needs to be addressed right away. Wisdom tooth pain causing facial swelling or severe discomfort also requires immediate attention. Bleeding or inflamed gums usually do not require emergency treatment. Tooth sensitivity triggered by hot or cold but resolving quickly is not an emergency. Fractured, broken, or cracked teeth generally can wait but consult us if the nerve is exposed or it's causing severe pain. Broken fillings, loose or lost crowns, veneers, or bridges should be addressed promptly but are not always immediate emergencies. Always call us to discuss your situation.
When do I need an emergency dental extraction?
Emergency dental extractions are often needed for infected wisdom teeth. Infections can occur under the gum line, leading to swelling and severe pain. Depending on the situation, a simple or surgical extraction may be required. Simple extractions involve loosening and removing the tooth, while surgical extractions may require cutting around the gum line and removing the tooth in pieces, followed by suturing. Bone grafts might be necessary to fill the hole left after extraction, promoting better healing and preparation for future dental work like implants or bridges.
Are there any painless anesthesia options?
Generally speaking, there is no completely painless anesthesia option. However, we strive to make the process as comfortable as possible. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) can help, and we offer it here. The key is technique and addressing your emotional needs. Some patients may feel minimal discomfort, while others might need more support. We work with you to ensure the experience is tolerable. It’s important to communicate your past experiences and current concerns so we can tailor the approach to your needs. Avoiding the dentist due to fear can worsen dental issues and increase costs. If you have more questions, please call us at (925) 272-2698.
Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. provides comprehensive oral healthcare services in Orinda, California, to help our patients keep their smiles healthy and beautiful. Additionally, we are here to provide emergency dentistry services whenever the need arises. If you are facing an unexpected dental issue, you can have peace of mind in knowing that a compassionate team of dental professionals is available nearby to promptly assist you.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
No one is immune to dental emergencies. Even if you take good care of your teeth and follow an optimal oral hygiene routine, you may still face an unexpected dental issue from time to time. For instance, one common problem that often warrants emergency dentistry attention is a toothache. The dental professionals at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. promptly see patients who are experiencing pain or sensitivity due to:
• Tooth decay
• A tooth cavity
• A chipped, cracked, broken, or knocked-out tooth*
• A loose permanent tooth
• Inflamed gums (gingivitis)
• Gum disease (periodontitis)
• An abscessed tooth
Why Is Emergency Dentistry Important?
In these instances, immediate action is important not only to minimize the pain but also to prevent the condition from worsening. Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. offers a convenient option for addressing such issues quickly. And because patient comfort and satisfaction are among our top priorities, our emergency patients can expect to benefit from the same level of personalized attention and outstanding treatment that they would receive during a prescheduled appointment.
If you are facing a dental emergency, don’t try to power through the pain. Contact Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. right away. We see emergency patients in our office in Orinda, CA, on the same day they call, and we attempt to meet all of their dental needs during their initial emergency visit.
*If you have a knocked-out permanent tooth, we suggest that you rinse your mouth and tooth with warm water. Then, hold the tooth by its crown—avoid touching the root—and gently reposition it in the empty socket in your gum. Place a gauze pad over the tooth and lightly bite down to keep it in place until you visit our office. If you cannot place the tooth in your mouth, preserve it in a cup of milk.