Despite diligent dental care and healthy oral habits, dental emergencies can arise- and often at the most inconvenient times!
The best thing to do in a dental emergency is call our Fullerton dentist office for further instructions from Dr. Patel. Many dental problems only get worse without prompt and effective treatment. Seeking treatment quickly can save you time, pain and money in the long run.
Our goal is to treat you promptly and with the highest level of service so that you can get back to enjoying a healthy, beautiful smile as soon as possible.
Emergency Dentistry in Fullerton, CA
At an emergency dentistry appointment, your dentist will focus on quickly relieving pain and treating urgent problems. Here’s what to expect:
Immediate Evaluation: When you arrive, the dental team will ask about your pain level, symptoms, and the reason for your visit. They might also ask about your medical history and any recent dental treatments. This helps them understand your situation before they begin treatment.
X-Rays or Imaging: To get a clearer view of the problem, the dentist may take X-rays or use other imaging tools. These help identify issues like tooth fractures, infections, or abscesses that aren’t immediately visible.
Pain Management: If you’re in severe pain, the dentist will likely address that immediately. They might provide local anesthesia, pain relief medication, or emergency procedures to reduce discomfort. For example, a temporary filling can protect an exposed nerve in a broken tooth.
Emergency Treatment: Once the dentist determines the cause of your problem, they will start treatment. This could involve draining an abscess, repairing a broken tooth, treating an infection, or extracting a damaged tooth. If you have a knocked-out tooth, depending on how quickly you sought care and the condition of the tooth, they may try to reinsert it.
Temporary Solutions: In many cases, emergency dental work is temporary. For example, a temporary crown or filling might be placed until you can schedule a full repair. If the issue is more complex, the dentist may refer you to a specialist for follow-up care.
Post-Treatment Care Instructions: Before you leave, the dentist will explain how to care for your teeth and gums after the appointment. They might prescribe antibiotics or pain medication to help with recovery. Follow-up appointments will also be recommended to address any long-term issues.
Tips for Common Dental Emergencies
- Broken or missing crown or filling: It is unlikely that the restoration can be reused, but please save it if possible. Do not attempt to glue or reattach the filling or crown.
- Broken or knocked out teeth: If you have a broken or knocked out tooth, please contact our dentist office immediately. Retrieve the tooth, if possible, holding it by the crown (the part that is normally exposed in your mouth). You may gently rinse the tooth with water to remove dirt, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments that may be attached. The ADA recommends storing the tooth in a small container with your own saliva or milk. Teeth have the greatest chance of being replaced in the socket within one hour of being knocked out. If it cannot be saved, Fullerton Craft Smiles offers a full range of restorative dentistry services such as implants or bridges.
- Tooth Pain: One of the most common oral health concerns is a sudden toothache or tooth pain. There are a number of things that cause a toothache, our first suggestion may be to try brushing or flossing around the tooth to remove any trapped food or other particles. You may also try rinsing with warm water or a diluted salt solution.
- Broken Dentures or Broken Bridge: If possible, save the broken denture or bridge and bring it with you to your appointment. In some cases, dentures and bridges can be repaired. We will evaluate your denture or bridge and make the best recommendation for repair or replacement.
Preventing a Dental Emergency
Preventing a dental emergency involves taking simple steps to protect your teeth and gums from injury or damage. Here’s how you can reduce the risk:
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice daily and flossing daily are the foundations of dental health. Keeping your teeth clean helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections that could lead to a dental emergency. Regular dental checkups also ensure any developing problems are caught early.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you play contact sports like football or basketball or activities like skateboarding, always wear a mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist offers better protection and comfort than store-bought ones. If you grind your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, wearing a mouthguard while you sleep can protect your teeth from cracking or chipping.
Avoid Hard Foods: Chewing on hard objects like ice, popcorn kernels, or candies can crack or break your teeth. Avoid these foods, and never use your teeth to open packages or bottles. Keeping your teeth away from hard materials will protect them from damage.
Don’t Ignore Small Problems: A small toothache or minor sensitivity can become a bigger issue if left untreated. Schedule a dental appointment immediately if you notice pain, swelling, or sensitivity. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from becoming serious dental emergencies.
Use Scissors, Not Your Teeth: Many people use their teeth to tear open packages, cut tape, or hold objects. This puts unnecessary pressure on your teeth, leading to cracks, chips, or breaks. Always use the right tool for the job, and avoid using your teeth to do anything other than eat.
Keep Up with Dental Appointments: Regular checkups and cleanings allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and spot potential problems before they become emergencies. Your dentist can also recommend dental sealants or fluoride treatments to protect your teeth.
Be Careful with Sticky Foods: Sticky foods like gummy candies or dried fruit can pull at dental restorations like fillings or crowns. Be mindful when eating these foods, and avoid chewing gum or other sticky items if you have dental work that could be affected.
Create a Dental Emergency Preparedness Kit
Creating a dental emergency kit is a smart way to be prepared for unexpected dental issues. Having the right supplies on hand can help you manage pain, protect damaged teeth, and prevent further injury until you can get professional care.
Gauze and Cotton Pads: These are essential for stopping bleeding or protecting a damaged tooth. If you experience a dental injury, place gauze on the affected area to control bleeding and help stabilize a knocked-out or chipped tooth.
Cold Compress: A small, reusable ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb pain. Cold compresses are especially useful if you experience a knocked-out tooth, a broken jaw, or a severe toothache. Apply it to the outside of your cheek for short-term relief.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain while you wait to see the dentist. Avoid aspirin if there’s any bleeding, as it can thin the blood and make bleeding worse.
Dental Wax: If you have braces or a sharp, broken tooth, dental wax can cover the area and prevent it from cutting your mouth. It’s a quick way to ease discomfort from sharp edges.
A Small Container with a Lid: This is crucial for storing a knocked-out tooth. Place the tooth in the container with milk, saline solution, or even your saliva to keep it moist until you reach the dentist.
Clove Oil: Known for its natural pain-relieving properties, it can be applied to the gums to help numb tooth pain in an emergency.