Emergency dentistry offers rapid care for potentially severe but non-life-threatening dental health conditions. Common examples of dental emergencies include damaged dental restorations, foreign objects lodged between your teeth, oral abscesses, knocked-out teeth, and severe toothache. It is also wise to seek immediate medical attention even if you are unsure whether your issue is an emergency. The sooner you can visit SoCal Dental of Valencia, the sooner you can alleviate your symptoms, restore your smile, and improve your well-being.
What is a Dental Emergency?
An oral emergency is an issue that needs immediate medical attention from a dentist. Not every oral health issue is an emergency. However, if you are experiencing bleeding that does not stop or pain that does not improve with medication, you require immediate emergency care.
If you are unsure whether your issue is a dental emergency, you should consult a dentist as soon as possible, but it is okay to wait for an appointment during regular business hours. Perfect examples of issues not oral emergencies include a mild toothache, a crack or chip in your tooth, and a small sore or cut.
If you suffer an oral emergency, the initial step is to contact your dentist for assistance. Most dental practices have a dedicated emergency helpline that you can call anytime or night.
Causes of Oral Health Emergencies
Dental conditions like TMJ disorders, gum disease, and tooth decay contribute to many dental emergencies. Additionally, daily life situations can result in a dental emergency. They include the following:
- Playing contact sports
- Car accidents
- Work-related accidents
- Falling during recreational play or normal activities
- Jaw joint locking or pain
- Misusing your teeth, like chewing ice, biting nails, or opening packages and bottles.
- Eating hard foods
The longer you take to treat an urgent oral health issue, the greater the risk of suffering permanent tooth damage or requiring severe and costly treatment.
How a Dentist Diagnoses a Dental Emergency
To ensure a precise emergency diagnosis, your dentist performs a dental exam using a problem-focused, individualized methodology. The exam gathers essential details to make a correct diagnosis and recommend the best treatment plan for your dental emergency.
Here is what to expect during your emergency dental examination:
- X-rays — The diagnostic tool allows your dentist to have a comprehensive view of dental structures, helping them to develop a treatment plan that focuses on addressing the root cause instead of temporarily alleviating symptoms. It can also help identify hidden issues like bone loss, impacted teeth, infections, and fractures.
- Visual exam — Your dentist will inspect your gums, teeth, and mouth to identify visible signs and symptoms of damage, infections, or trauma.
- Conducting specialized tests — Depending on the nature of your emergency condition, your dentist can perform more tests, like periodontal probing to review your gum's condition.
- Symptom assessment — Your dentist will probe your symptoms, like the intensity and location of pain, swelling, sensitivity, or any discomfort you might be experiencing.
- Patient history —The professional will analyze your medical and dental history, including relevant details like medications, preexisting health conditions, or allergies that might affect your treatment.
Handling Different Dental Emergencies Until You See a Dentist
Below are some ways you could manage your dental emergency as you wait to see a doctor.
Managing Severe Toothache
A severe toothache is pain around and in your tooth.
Specific simple home remedies can help relieve toothaches before you visit a dentist. They include the following:
- Rinse the mouth using warm, salty water — The rinse is more effective if your pain originates from a bacterial infection. The salt reduces inflammation and fights germs. Add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and stir it. Swish your solution around the mouth for about thirty seconds before spitting it out.
- Garlic—One of the main components of garlic is allicin, which has antibacterial properties. Allicin functions as an antibiotic and slows down bacterial growth. The most effective method of using garlic for a toothache is to crush it into a paste, sprinkle some salt into your paste, and then apply it to your tooth.
- Use ice packs — Applying ice to the affected region reduces inflammation and pain. You can wrap a bag of frozen veggies or ice in a towel and hold it against the outside of the jaw for twenty minutes. You can repeat the process several times.
- Rinse the mouth with hydrogen peroxide— It alleviates inflammation and tooth pain. It can also help recover your bleeding gums. You should not rinse your mouth using concentrated hydrogen peroxide; dilute it with an equal water ratio. Swish the solution before spitting it out in the sink.
- Clove oil — It has eugenol with numbing properties. Pour a few drops of clove oil on a cotton ball before rubbing it on your tooth. Be cautious since a lot of clove oil can irritate your tongue and soft tissues.
Broken or Fractured Tooth
A fractured tooth occurs when something damages your tooth and causes a minor crack or fracture.
If you suffer a fractured tooth, rinse your mouth using warm water and then place a cold compress on the impacted area to reduce swelling. Save any tooth fragments and carry them to your dental visit if you can.
A Knocked-Out or Dislodged Tooth
A dislodged tooth occurs if it is pushed out of its original position in its socket due to an accident, fall, or sport-related injury.
If you experience a knocked-out tooth, hold it at the crown, not the root. Then, lightly rinse the tooth under running water to extract debris and dirt, and then, if you can, try to reinsert it into its socket. If you cannot do so, put the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution to keep it moist and contact your dental professional immediately.
If the issue is a dislodged tooth, try repositioning it carefully with your fingers, then bite down on a wet gauze until you can see your dentist.
Soft-Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage that can occur on the tongue, gums, and the interior of the cheeks. Soft-tissue injuries include lacerations, cuts and burns, which could result in bleeding, pain and potential infection.
After sustaining a soft-tissue injury, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and apply pressure to the affected area using a damp gauze or cloth to reduce bleeding. Applying a cold press externally may also reduce pain and swelling.
If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, rinse the mouth with mild saltwater and use oral floss to remove trapped food particles. Refrain from applying heat or painkillers directly to the impacted area, which could worsen the condition. However, over-the-counter relievers can help alleviate pain temporarily.
Lost Dental Filling
A tooth filling is not meant to last a lifetime; it can fall out due to any of the reasons below:
- Teeth grinding
- Trauma to your tooth
- Chewing too aggressively
- Biting into crunchy or hard foods
- New damage or decay around your filling
- An adverse chemical reaction to the dental filling’s bonding
A short-term measure you can take after losing your dental filling is to stick some sugarless gum in the cavity (sugary gum could cause pain) or apply over-the-counter dental cement. Ensure you visit your dental professional promptly.
Objects Stuck Between Teeth
If an object is stuck between your teeth, try using floss to remove the object gently. If the object does not come out, visit your dentist. Avoid using a sharp item, like a pin, to poke at the stuck object. These objects could hurt your gums or scratch your tooth surface.
Partially Dislodged Tooth
You can alleviate pain stemming from a partially dislodged tooth by applying a cold press on the outer area of the cheek or tooth around the impacted area. You can also use an over-the-counter painkiller, like Advil or Tylenol.
Managing Abscess
Abscesses are infections that occur in or around the root, creating a pocket of pus. Poor oral hygiene and an infection between your tooth’s roots and between the gums and teeth can cause an abscess.
To ease pain and remove the pus, rinse your mouth with warm salty water several times daily. You should also schedule a dental appointment as early as possible.
Broken Orthodontics
If you have broken braces, reattach them using a small portion of orthodontic wax. Alternatively, place the wax over your braces to create a cushion. Seeking timely orthodontic treatment will prevent severe harm to your cheeks and gums by correcting the braces.
Why You Should Consult an Emergency Dentist
Discussed below is the role of an emergency dentist in handling dental issues.
Responding Swiftly to Distress Calls
Your dentist understands that a dental emergency does not comply with the routine business hours. The expert is equipped to handle distress calls at any time of the day, ready to act when you need them the most.
They have State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Equipment
Your seasoned dentist has advanced diagnostic equipment that permits them to review the degree and nature of your dental emergency promptly. Ranging from intraoral cameras to digital X-rays, these tools help make precise diagnoses that enable your dentist to develop an effective and immediate treatment plan.
Offer Immediate Pain Relief
Typically, dental emergencies come with severe pain. Your dentist will prioritize pain relief and use methods like pain relievers and local anesthesia to alleviate your pain fast.
Address Dental Infections
A dental infection can escalate rapidly and result in severe pain and other complications. Your dentist can identify and treat dental infections promptly. They can use interventions like drainage procedures and antibiotics to combat and prevent infection from spreading.
Temporary Repairs and Stabilization
In situations when a permanent dental solution can take time, your dentist will offer temporary repair and stabilization. The measure prevents further damage and ensures you can function comfortably until the dentist implements a more permanent solution.
What You Should Know about Pediatric Emergency Dentistry
A pediatric dental emergency can happen after a fall, sports injury, bicycle accident, or car accident. Children also injure their mouths by chewing on substances different from food, like clothing and toys.
Typically, dental emergencies are obvious; your child might have visible damage or oral bleeding. Your older child can notify you whether they have a toothache. However, diagnosing a dental emergency in infants and toddlers can be tricky since they cannot verbalize discomfort.
Notify your dentist if the baby has challenges swallowing or chewing. Failing to suck or eat could indicate dental pain. Also, check for unusual drooling or facial swelling.
How to Prepare Your Child for Dental Care During an Emergency
While anxiety and panic are natural responses to an emergency, you should stay calm as a parent. Your child will take their cues from you. Therefore, if you remain calm, the minor will manage their emotions better.
If necessary, start by administering first aid. Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Recover any broken dental appliance or knocked-out tooth. If you think your child has an injured jaw, gently tie a bandana or towel around the child's jaw and instruct the juvenile to keep the mouth motionless.
Next, tell the child why you need to visit a dentist. Ensure you remain upbeat and offer your child reassurance and encouragement.
How Preventive Dental Care Prevents Emergencies
Dental emergencies can be inconvenient, painful, and even costly. Nevertheless, with the right understanding and preventative interventions, you could greatly lessen the risk of requiring emergency dentistry services. Preventive measures that can reduce the need for emergency dentistry include the following:
Brushing Your Teeth
Proper brushing can help prevent emergency dentistry by removing plaque and bacteria that could cause gum disease and cavities. You should brush twice daily using a soft-bristled brush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste.
The proper toothbrushing process involves the following:
- Preparing the toothbrush— Wet the toothbrush using water, then apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Your toothpaste should contain fluoride because it protects your teeth from cavities and tooth decay.
- Start with the rear teeth — Begin with the top molars or rear teeth, and ensure the toothbrush is toward your gumline at a 45-degree angle. Brush in short circular rotations for about 20 seconds.
- Turn the toothbrush — After twenty seconds, turn the toothbrush away from your gumline to enable the bristles to sweep your teeth’s surfaces to remove plaque and debris.
- Brush in clockwise motions — Keep moving the toothbrush circularly and conclude with the bottom molars on both sides. Repeat steps two and three on the inner surfaces of your top and bottom molars.
- Brush behind your top front teeth—Ensure you brush the rear surface of your top front teeth using the appropriate tip. Guide the bristles to your gumline and employ a flicking movement on the surface of each tooth. Repeat the process a few times.
- Brush behind your bottom front teeth — Move the tip of your toothbrush to the gumline and flick the soft bristles upward and then away from the gumline in a sweeping movement. Repeat the process twice or thrice.
- Brush the biting surfaces on the lower and upper molars and premolars in circular motions.
- Brush your tongue and inner cheeks — Your tongue, inner cheeks, and inner top part of your mouth can hold bacteria, plaque, and food residue, resulting in gum disease. Just like the teeth, these areas also require regular cleaning. Gently brush the inner cheeks, tongue, and the inner top of your mouth in a circular motion.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
A balanced diet contributes to better overall health and positively impacts your dental well-being. You should limit your intake of acidic and sugary drinks and foods; over time, they can erode your enamel, resulting in tooth decay. Instead, you should eat fresh fruits, dairy products, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Avoid Using teeth Like Tools
Using teeth to tear packages or open bottles can result in dental emergencies like tooth fractures or dislodged teeth.
Address Oral Health Issues Immediately
If you identify any symptom or sign of an oral health issue, like tooth sensitivity, swollen gums, or persistent toothaches, visit your dental professional promptly.
Do Not Skip Your Dental Appointments
Routine checkups are part of preventive dentistry that offer early detection of potential dental issues. During the check-ups, your dentist can also provide appropriate treatment before issues escalate into emergencies.
Practice Stress Management
Anxiety and stress may contribute to bruxism or teeth grinding, which could result in dental emergencies. Helpful stress management activities include yoga, meditation or deep breathing exercises to lessen the potential risk of teeth grinding.
Practice Caution Around Hard Foods
Refrain from biting on hard stuff like kernels, popcorn, ice, or hard candies because they may damage your teeth.
Maintain a Dental Emergency Kit
Having a dental emergency kit can be invaluable since it can help you manage dental issues before you visit your dentist. Your emergency kit should contain the following essential supplies:
- Pain relief medication
- Dental wax
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Oral anesthetic gel
- Temporary dental filling material
- Orthodontic relief wax
- Dental mirror and tweezers
- Disposable gloves
- Emergency dental contact information
- Instruction manual
Wear a Mouthguard When Engaging in Sporting Activities
Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or physical activities that can cause dental injuries. A fitting mouthguard could safeguard your teeth from harm and lower the possibility of tooth chipping or breakage in the event of a sports-related accident.
Various Dental Emergency Treatment Options
The type of treatment option your dentist will use depends on your dental emergency. Discussed below are some of the common treatment options:
Using Antibiotics
Your dentist can prescribe antibiotics to treat a bacterial infection impacting your tooth.
Several types of antibiotics include the following:
- Penicillin — Dentists can prescribe different penicillins, like amoxicillin or penicillin V, first because they eliminate various forms of bacteria. The dental professional can also prescribe clavulanate, which enables the penicillin to work better.
- Cephalosporins like cephalexin
- Nitroimidazoles like metronidazole
- Macrolides — Macrolides can consist of azithromycin and erythromycin
- Lincosamides—For a stubborn tooth infection that fails to respond to other antibiotics, your dentist can prescribe clindamycin and lincosamide.
Dental Fillings
Fillings are used to treat tooth damage that has resulted in a cavity. The dental professional will extract the decay, clean the cavity, dry it, and then seal it with the filling material of your choice. Common dental filling materials include composite resin or ceramic.
Treating Loose Dental Fillings
Your dentist will perform X-rays to determine the extent of the damage and the best treatment option for you. The dental professional may replace the filling if there is no other damage.
Sometimes, you may require a crown or root canal treatment to reinforce your tooth’s integrity. The dentist will do what is necessary to prevent more damage. Most missing or loose dental fillings do not require extraction.
Tooth Extraction
Your dentist can recommend tooth extraction if another method cannot treat the infection or tooth decay causing the dental emergency.
Tooth extraction is a quick outpatient procedure with local, general, or intravenous anesthesia.
Root Canal Therapy
A root canal treatment is an oral procedure to extract infected or inflamed pulp inside your tooth. Your dentist will clean and disinfect the pulp before filling and sealing it. The therapy aims to eliminate bacteria from your infected root canal, prevent your tooth’s reinfection, and salvage the natural tooth.
Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding is a procedure that repairs a cracked or broken tooth. Your dentist will apply resin on your tooth surface to rectify any issue before using a curing light.
Find a Competent and Compassionate Emergency Dentist Near Me
A dental emergency is any dental health condition that poses an immediate threat to your teeth and the surrounding tissues. When facing a dental emergency, it is natural to have questions and concerns about what will happen to your teeth and oral health.
SoCal Dental of Valencia is just a call away. Once you call us, we can give you tips to follow before you arrive at our office, where we can analyze your condition before recommending the appropriate treatment option. We can also offer immediate dental care with same-day appointments to address your health needs. Please call us at 661-554-4545 to schedule your appointment.