Don't wait if you think you may be having a dental emergency - contact us right away. Our team will provide the critical care and attention you need to save your smile. Unsure what constitutes a dental emergency? Read on for more information.
I think it's an emergency. What do I do?
When it comes to emergency dental care, time is of the essence. However, it can be difficult to determine whether or not you're dealing with a true emergency. If you're experiencing persistent pain or a broken or loose tooth, this is a clear indication that something is wrong. Seeking professional dental help is essential, especially if you're unsure what the cause of the pain is or are unable to alleviate it on your own.
An emergency is defined as a knocked-out tooth or damaged dental work, and these issues should be dealt with immediately. If you're still unsure whether or not you're experiencing a dental emergency, feel free to give us a call for assistance. Our team is more than happy to offer some tips for self-care in the meantime while helping you figure out what's going on.
Did you know…
If you lose a tooth, place it in cold milk while you head to your emergency appointment. Source: Mayo Clinic
Ready to schedule
your appointment?
Care when you need it most
Dental Emergencies can happen unexpected and without warning. Our affordable In House Dental Membership plan includes 1 emergency visit. This can help you find a solution to your dental problem quickly and continue coverage for your other dental needs. Our team is committed to relieving your dental pain as soon as possible, so you can get back to what really matters.
The Benefits of Emergency Dentistry
Relieve Your Pain
You deserve to live your life without discomfort or pain, and emergency dentistry can help you achieve just that. By seeking professional emergency dental care, you can alleviate pain and start living and smiling comfortably once again.
Restore Your Smile
Restore your smile by addressing cracked, chipped, or missing teeth.
Prevent Further Complications
By seeking early treatment for tooth infections or fallen teeth, you can avoid more complex and serious dental issues down the line.
What do I do in a Dental Emergency?
Keep Calm & Treat Bleeding
If you experience a dental injury, it can quickly turn your day into a stressful ordeal. It's important to remain calm and remember that we are here to help you. By taking a few deep breaths and assessing the situation, you can be better equipped to handle the emergency. If your dental injury is causing bleeding, apply pressure to the affected area immediately with a clean piece of gauze. Keep the gauze in place until the bleeding stops or until you are able to come to our office for further treatment.
Control Pain & Swelling
Taking pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help temporarily reduce pain or swelling caused by dental injuries. However, it is important to avoid using aspirin or blood-thinning medication, as these can make it harder to control the bleeding. In addition to medication, a cold compress, such as an ice pack, can be used on the cheek or lip near the affected area to further reduce pain and swelling.
Call Us
If you have a dental emergency, it's important to contact us as soon as possible. Even if you're unsure whether your situation qualifies as an emergency, our team is available to assess the severity of your condition and schedule an appointment for the necessary treatment as soon as possible. Restoring the health of your tooth is our priority, so don't hesitate to give our dentist in Mission Viejo a call to address your emergency and alleviate any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing.
Before & Afters
A smile is worth 1,000 words.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have a loose tooth, what should I do?
If you have a loose tooth caused by a dental injury, don't hesitate to reach out and schedule a same-day appointment. Untreated, the nerves supporting your tooth can be damaged, resulting in it coming out - so we are here to help get you back on track! Until your appointment, try to keep the tooth as stable as possible - that means avoiding moving it with your tongue or fingers. During your appointment, your dentist will attach the tooth to adjacent teeth with a splint that provides support while it heals and re-attaches itself to the gums.
What should I do about a broken, chipped, or damaged tooth?
If you experience a cracked, chipped or broken tooth, it may be hard to assess the severity of the damage. Leaving it untreated can lead to further problems like infection and more preventable issues down the road. Don't worry, we're here for you every step of the way in restoring your healthy smile. Give us a call if any of these issues occur and we'll promptly schedule an appointment to get you out of pain and protect your teeth from further damage.
What should I do about a toothache?
If you are experiencing a toothache that lasts for more than two days, it is important to seek medical help right away. Tooth infections can be a serious dental emergency and should not be ignored. At our practice, we understand the discomfort that comes with tooth pain and aim to provide you with relief as soon as possible. Contact us if you are having severe tooth pain and we'll promptly schedule an appointment to address your concerns. Meanwhile, you can try methods such as using cold compresses on your cheek, taking over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, or using numbing Orajel products to ease the discomfort until then.
What should I do if a filling or crown has fallen out?
If you've lost a filling or dental crown in Mission Viejo, it's important to take action quickly. Bacteria can enter the tooth and cause further damage if it is left unprotected for too long. Contact us immediately to schedule an emergency appointment. Make sure you bring the missing dental work with you in a sealed container or clean plastic bag. We understand that this issue may be stressful, but we will do everything possible to restore your oral health and get your smile back to its former brilliance.
What should I do if I’ve knocked out a tooth?
Accidentally knocking out a tooth is an emergency situation and it's important to act fast in order to increase the chances of saving it. When handling the tooth, be sure to pick it up by the crown - never touch the root, as this can cause further damage. Gently rinse the tooth with warm water to remove any debris – just be careful not to scrub or use any abrasive materials. Try your best to place the tooth back into its socket, but don't force it if you have difficulty doing so. If you can't return the tooth, store it in a container of cold milk until you can get to the dentist for help. Time is crucial when dealing with knocked out teeth, so please contact us right away for guidance on how to handle this emergency and make sure that we are prepared for your visit. To avoid needing a prosthetic replacement and save your natural tooth, it must be replaced and splinted within 1-2 hours.