Dental emergencies: What You Need to Know

Dental emergencies can strike at any time, and when they do, it’s important to get immediate attention. At Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry, we understand the urgency of dental emergencies and we will try our best to accommodate your last-minute appointment requests. Our experienced team offers extended hours as needed, ensuring that you get the emergency care you need when you need it.

When Do You Need Emergency Care?

Ultimately, you are the best judge of whether or not you need emergency dental care. However, there are some situations that require immediate attention. These include:

• Toothaches: If you have tried brushing, rinsing, and flossing and you are still experiencing pain, it’s time to see a dentist.
• Tooth Knocked Out: If your tooth has been knocked out, it is crucial to get to the dentist as soon as possible. Quick action may save the tooth.
• Gum/Tongue/Cheek Injuries: If you have a cut or injury in your mouth that won’t stop bleeding, it is important to seek emergency dental care.
• Broken/Loose Braces: If your braces are broken or loose, call your orthodontist immediately. They will advise you on what to do next.
• Chipped/Broken Teeth: If your tooth is chipped, cracked, or broken, it’s important to see a dentist immediately. If the chip is significant or your tooth is in pieces, it may require emergency dental care.
• Lost Filling/Crown: If you have lost a filling or crown, it’s important to get it replaced as soon as possible.
• Tooth Loose: If your tooth feels loose, it’s important to see a dentist immediately.
• Abscess: If you have an abscessed tooth, it is important to seek immediate care. An abscess is a serious tooth infection that requires prompt attention.

Sports, cars and dental care

According to the American Dental Association, the number one cause of adult tooth damage each year is playing sports. This includes all types of athletics, from organized leagues to casual games with friends. Even a backyard game of basketball can lead to a tooth being damaged or knocked out. Children who play sports are also at risk for dental injuries. While mouthguards can provide some protection, accidents can still happen. If you experience a dental emergency while playing sports, call us right away at (707) 429-0451.

Car accidents are another common cause of tooth injury. Although tooth enamel is strong, it may not be strong enough to prevent your tooth from breaking when it collides with the steering wheel. With millions of accidents happening every year, teeth are a common victim. If you are in a car accident, we recommend that you get examined at a local emergency room to ensure that you haven’t sustained any physical injuries. Afterward, call us for an appointment, as the emergency room does not treat tooth damage.

Severe and Sudden Toothaches

Severe and sudden toothaches are another reason people need emergency dental care. Our experienced dentists are experts at examining teeth and determining the cause of the pain. It may be a small cavity that has grown into a larger one, requiring a root canal. Gum disease can also cause intense pain if the gums recede, leaving the tooth and roots exposed. Both conditions can cause intense pain and require emergency treatment. At Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry, we want to help you manage your oral pain and we will do our best to treat you right away so that you can remain comfortable.

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, oral surgery may be necessary in order to remove the infection. We can let you know if we see an abscess during your dental exam with our dentist.

Tooth Infections and Abscesses

If a tooth infection is left untreated for an extended period of time, it can lead to a dental abscess. This is extremely painful and requires immediate attention. An abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth root and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly. It is often caused by bacteria entering the tooth through a crack, cavity, or chip.

Symptoms of a dental abscess may include severe toothache, fever, swelling, and sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can lead to serious complications, such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, bone loss, or tooth loss.

At Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry, we can diagnose and treat tooth infections and abscesses using a variety of techniques, including root canal therapy, antibiotics, and drainage of the abscess. Our goal is to alleviate your pain, prevent the spread of infection, and restore your oral health.

Preventing tooth infections and abscesses starts with good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. It is also important to address any dental issues, such as cavities or cracked teeth, as soon as they arise to prevent them from progressing into more serious problems.

If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect that you may have a dental abscess, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Contact Waterman Blvd Family Dentistry at (707) 429-0451 to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced dentists. We are here to help you achieve optimal oral health and a pain-free smile.