Emergency Dental
Urgent Dental Emergencies: What to Do When Every Second Counts
A dental emergency is a sudden, severe dental problem that requires immediate attention. Some common dental emergencies include:
Severe Toothache
If you’re experiencing a throbbing or persistent pain in your tooth, it may be a sign of an underlying infection or other serious dental problem. Toothaches can be debilitating, affecting your ability to eat, sleep, and focus on daily tasks. It’s crucial to seek dental care promptly to alleviate the pain and address the root (pun intended) cause.
Broken Tooth
A fractured or chipped tooth can cause significant pain and sensitivity, but may also just be an irritation. Immediate attention is frequently necessary to prevent further damage and to restore the tooth’s structure and function. Leaving a broken tooth untreated can lead to more serious complications, including infection or loss of the tooth.
Knocked-out Tooth
Losing a tooth due to an injury or accident can be alarming. In such cases, time is of the essence. If a tooth is completely dislodged from its socket, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. In some instances, if the tooth is handled properly and reinserted quickly, it can be saved.
If your tooth has been moved but is still in your mouth due to trauma, pushing it back into place as soon as possible affords the best possibility for survival. The sooner the tooth can be stabilized the better.
If your tooth has been knocked out completely, time is of the essence. If rinsing will clean the tooth it can be placed back in the socket. DO NOT SCRUB THE TOOTH!! If you can not put the tooth back in place, putting the tooth in milk or even water increases the odds of it being able to be put back in position. The sooner the tooth can be put back in position and stabilized the better.
Object lodged in tooth
If a piece of food or another object becomes stuck between your teeth and cannot be easily removed, it can lead to irritation, pain, and potential infection. It’s important to avoid using sharp objects to dislodge it yourself, as this can cause injury to your gums or teeth. Instead, seek professional help to safely remove the obstruction.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please contact our office immediately. We will do our best to see you as soon as possible. While you wait for your appointment, you can take the following steps:
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
- Avoid chewing on the affected area.
Emergency Dental FAQs
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Time is one of the most important factors in saving a tooth that has been knocked out, so try not to panic. If the tooth is completely out, pick it up by the crown (the whiter chewing area) and avoid touching the root. Gently rinse the tooth with water. Do not scrub or scrape off any tissue. If you can, place it back into the socket making sure it is facing the right way. If it will not stay in place, drop it into a small container of milk or your own saliva to increase the odds of keeping it alive until you reach us. Call our Oroville office right away, since a knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved when it is re-implanted quickly.
How can I manage a severe toothache at night until I can see a dentist?
Toothaches often feel worse at night because lying flat sends more blood to your head, which increases pressure and inflammation around the nerve. Sleeping with an extra pillow to keep your head elevated can take some of that pressure off. A warm salt water (⅛ th tsp salt in a large glass) rinse can help calm inflammation and clean the area. Plus it gives you something else to think about, blech. A cold compress against your cheek or even ice on your mouth can numb the ache and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil¤), naproxen sodium (Aleve¤), acetaminophen (Tylenol¤), or Excedrin ¤ can also help you get through the night. Notice Advil or Aleve can be combined with Tylenol OR Excedrin as long as you don’t exceed the daily dosage of either. Once morning comes, call our Oroville office so we can find and treat the actual cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms.
What should I do if my dental crown or filling falls out?
A missing crown or filling leaves the tooth underneath exposed, which can lead to sharp sensitivity and a higher risk of decay if it is not addressed. Start with a gentle warm saltwater rinse to clear away any debris. If you still have the crown, a small dab of over-the-counter denture adhesive or even a piece of sugar-free gum can hold it in place temporarily. Never use super glue or other household adhesives, since these can damage the tooth and make it harder for us to properly reattach the restoration later. Give our office a call as soon as you can so we can get you in and either re-cement or replace it.
Do you offer same-day emergency dental appointments in Oroville?
Yes. We set aside time in our daily schedule specifically for dental emergencies, so you are not left waiting days for relief. You do not even need to already be an established patient with us to be seen for a limited emergency exam. If you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth, a bad toothache, a broken restoration, or another urgent dental issue, call our Oroville office and our team will work to get you in the same day.
What counts as a true dental emergency?
Not every dental issue needs to be treated as an emergency, but some situations should never wait. Knocked out or badly loosened teeth, uncontrolled bleeding, facial swelling, a severe or worsening toothache, and a broken tooth with visible nerve exposure all call for immediate attention. A small chip with no pain or a lost filling with mild sensitivity can often wait for the next available appointment. If you are ever unsure, it is always better to call us and describe what is going on so we can help you decide how quickly you need to be seen.
What if I do not have dental insurance and need emergency care?
Dental pain does not wait for insurance coverage, and neither should you. As a conservative and honest dental practice, our team will always talk through your treatment options and costs with you upfront, whether or not you have insurance. Call our Oroville office to discuss your emergency, and we will help you understand what care is needed and what your options look like for getting it taken care of.
