Dental emergencies happen to everyone at one time or another. They are not relegated to children but can impact patients of all ages.
In this blog, I explore what you should do if you have a dental emergency in Lodi or Elk Grove, CA, and when to contact the dentist. I’ll also discuss ways to help prevent these emergencies that can ruin your day and disrupt your well-being.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Defining dental emergencies is tricky because there are so many possible scenarios. However, if you have a toothache or swelling, these are signs of an infection, and you should contact my dental office as soon as possible for guidance and an emergency appointment.
Other dental emergencies may include:
- Knocked-out or broken tooth
- Broken or damaged restoration
- Broken or damaged prosthetic
- Object stuck in soft tissues or between teeth
Of course, the most common dental emergency is a tooth root infection requiring root canal therapy in Lodi or Elk Grove. If you have a toothache, swelling, or blister on the gum, you likely have a canal infection that needs immediate treatment.
Some oral health changes, like a small tooth chip, can wait until the next available appointment. However, if you're in pain, it is still a dental emergency.
If ever you’re unsure, contact a member of my team for a phone assessment and guidance.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency Situation
Please contact my dental office as soon as possible, but as you await your emergency appointment, there are self-care options you can implement.
Toothache or Growing Sensitivity
Tooth infections can be excruciating, especially if you forgo treatment and try to solve the issue on your own. If you have a toothache and are medically able, you can take an over-the-counter medicine like Tylenol or ibuprofen to lessen symptoms. You can then apply an ice pack periodically to numb the area. Rinsing with salt water may also help.
Jaw or Face Swelling
Jaw and face swelling, when not accompanied by injury, are usually signs of infection. As you await your emergency dental visit, you can apply an ice pack periodically to ease a bit of the swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, store it in a container of milk or saliva without handling the root. Sometimes, I can save the tooth and reset it into the gum. You can rinse away any bleeding or bite down on sterile gauze until your dental appointment.
Trauma Injuries
If you have sustained trauma, such as a car accident or serious fall, it’s essential to visit your local emergency room. You can contact my team after you’ve been assessed and treated.
How We Treat Dental Emergencies in Lodi and Elk Grove, CA
Treatment depends on the nature of your injury. However, you can count on my team and me to assess your situation quickly and treat it as soon as possible.
Let’s Explore a Few Common Emergency Dental Treatments.
Root Canal Therapy
For tooth infections in the canal, I perform gentle root canal therapy. To do this, I anesthetize the treatment area and remove the infection from your tooth’s canal. After rinsing, I seal the canal temporarily to promote healing. You come back in a few weeks for a tooth crown or filling.
Most root canal treatments require a dental crown to restabilize the tooth. If the infection was minor, caught early, and has not weakened the structure, I may talk to you about a tooth-colored filling instead.
Tooth Extraction
If you’ve broken your tooth below the gumline or it is too damaged to be saved, I may suggest extraction. However, extraction should include tooth replacement at a later appointment. If you don’t replace the tooth, you risk migration. This means your teeth shift on the gum, causing misalignment, wear, and future fractures.
Stabilization
In some cases, if you have a complex oral health issue, we may treat to relieve pain, stabilize the situation, and have you come back at a later date for more treatment. This approach is sometimes necessary to thoroughly correct the problem and restore oral health.
How to Lower Your Dental Emergency Risks
Because tooth infections are the most common dental emergency, I recommend starting there!
- Visit my dental office every six months for checkups and teeth cleanings.
- Brush your teeth at least twice every day.
- Floss your teeth at least once daily.
When you brush your teeth, be sure to spend time on all surfaces, including the backs of your teeth. When you floss, always use a string of a fresh length.
Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth and a mouthguard if you play sports is also essential.
Are You Seeking an Emergency Dentist in Lodi or Elk Grove, CA?
If you have a dental emergency or are unsure, contact a member of my compassionate dental team today for guidance. Also, contact us with any questions about our treatments and services.
I offer an in-house savings plan for uninsured patients and accept CareCredit financing and LendingClub.