Emergency Dental Care
Do you need an Emergency Dentist?
A dental emergency can strike at any time – that is why our doctors and staff are on standby to accomodate any last minute appointment requests. We will do everything to reduce how long you suffer oral pain. We offer extended hours as needed and will do our best to get you treated immediately.
Dental emergencies tend to have varying degrees of urgency. The sad fact is that many emergencies can be avoided with proper and routine preventative care. That said, if you have any of the following issues, we strongly recommend you call our office so we can help you determine how quickly you need to come in:
- Toothache – You brushed, rinsed and flossed and it still hurts.
- Tooth got knocked out (very common when playing sports)
- Gum/Tongue/Cheek Injuries – If the bleeding will not stop.
- Chipped/Broken Teeth – If the chip is significant, your tooth is cracked or your tooth is in pieces.
- Lost Filling or Crown
- Tooth is loose
- Abscess has formed
Avoiding a Dental Emergency
The American Dental Association reported that the number one cause of adult tooth damage every year is playing sports. This spans all types of athletics and creates the need for emergency appointments. Most adults don’t have the time to play for an organized league, even a casual one. This means that even a backyard game of basketball can lead to a tooth being damaged or knocked out. The same holds true for kids playing sports. There are ways to protect yourself like wearing a mouth guard but when an emergency strikes call us at 909-860-7579.
Car accidents are another leading cause of tooth injury. While the enamel on your teeth is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent your tooth from breaking when colliding with the steering wheel. With millions of accidents a year, teeth are a common victim. We recommend that patients of Diamond Dental Care get examined at a local emergency room after being in a car accident, just to make sure that they haven’t sustained any physical injuries. Afterwards, you should call us for an thorough dental exam. The emergency room does not treat tooth damage, so you will need to see both types of medical providers.
Toothaches Leading to Emergency Appointments
Severe and sudden toothaches are major reason for needing an emergency dentist. Dr. Rajul Patel and Dr. Romi Patel are experts identifying the root cause of the pain so that you do not undergo unnecessary procedures or simply mask the symptoms temporarily.
Oftentimes a little cavity has grown into a big one and now requires a root canal. Another possibility is gum disease which can cause the gums to recede, leaving the tooth and roots exposed. Both can lead to intense pain and require emergency treatment. Our focus at Diamond Dental Care is on preventative care so that these issues never appear unexpectedly; however, we know that some things are out of our control and we do our best to treat you right away in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
If a tooth infection is left untreated for a long period of time, it can lead to a dental abscess. This is extremely painful. An abscess is a major tooth infection that can settle into your jawbone and the floor of your mouth. If it does reach that point, oral surgery may be necessary in order to remove the infection. If we see signs of abscess, we’ll explain the situation thoroughly and prescribe for you the best treatment options, which may include referring you to a specialist.
Toothaches Leading to Emergency Appointments
You’ve just scheduled your emergency dental visit, but the pain is excruciating. You want temporary relief while you wait for your exam. Here are some tips:
- Often we suggest over-the-counter pain medication and to apply a cold compress or ice pack to the area in order to reduce or prevent swelling.
When a tooth has fallen out…
If your tooth has been knocked out, try to find it. Once located, rinse the tooth under warm water without scrubbing it. Next, place it in a cup of milk and bring it with you to your dental appointment. We will try to save the tooth, if possible. If not, Dr. Rajul Patel and Dr. Romi Patel will discuss options for replacing the tooth. This may include dentures, a dental bridge or dental implants.
When a tooth is broken…
It is common for people to damage a tooth while playing sports or getting into a car accident. It is likely that the tooth will become cracked or chipped. As long as the tooth structure remains in place, it can typically be corrected using cosmetic dentistry – including dental veneers and a dental crown. Both are excellent options and can restore your tooth to full functionality while keeping it natural looking. As an emergency dental clinic, we can provide you with information on what your options are and the best way to restore your tooth while achieving the goals that you have for your smile. To schedule an appointment, call (909) 860-7579.
When a tooth is infected…
As an emergency dentist, we will assess the situation and inform you of what is infected and the best way to treat it quickly. Our job is to keep you comfortable, healthy and pain-free.
Emergency Dentist FAQ’s
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. (Do not scrub or clean it with soap — use only water!) If possible, replace the tooth in the socket immediately and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can’t put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with cold milk, saliva or water. Call us immeidately! The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
Call our office so we can exam the mouth to ensure the tooth is completely removed and no other damage has occurred. However, baby teeth should not be replanted because of the potential for subsequent damage to the developing permanent tooth.
What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?
Contact us immediately – quick action can save the tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling if the lip also was injured. If you can find the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
What about a severe blow to the head or jaw fracture?
You need immediate medical attention if you have suffered a blow so hard that it knocked out a tooth. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may need to call an ambulance because they can get to you faster than you can get to a hospital. Severe head injuries should not be taken lightly. Ensure your safety and we can take care of your dental needs later. A head injury could be life-threatening . . . a broken or chipped tooth is not.