What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency could be when you're in so much pain, have a toothache, or notice something swollen in your mouth. That would mean you need attention right away.
What should I do if I lose a tooth?
If you lose a tooth, it depends. Did you lose the tooth during an activity? Was it a healthy tooth that just got knocked off? First thing you need to do is keep it wet. The best way is to put it in milk or place it into the side of your cheek. Keeping it wet is crucial, and then you should see a dentist right away.
Can you treat a broken tooth in one day?
Yes, it depends. If the broken tooth is still savable, we can do a crown. But first, we have to build it up if there's not enough tooth structure to hold onto a crown, and then give you a temporary at that time. If the broken tooth involves the nerve, we need to do what we call a root canal, then put a post, build it up, and put a temporary crown.
How do you handle dental emergencies after hours?
For dental emergencies after hours, you can call us on our office cell phone. Normally, or in our office voicemail, you'll hear my cell phone number, and then I will call you back and ask you questions. Most of the time, depending on the case as I assess it, you might need to go to an emergency room.
What can I do to manage severe tooth pain at home until my appointment?
First of all, I would not advise you to wait. See a dentist right away at the onset of pain. Most of the time, I hear from folks that they waited long enough until they really can't take it anymore, and that's when they decide to see a dentist. If you're at home and can't find a dentist, take over-the-counter pain medication. If the pain is more than a five on the pain scale, I would advise you to go to an emergency room. When you have pain or swelling, see the dentist right away. You can avoid these situations by regularly visiting your dentist. Regular visits help us catch small cavities or decay early, allowing us to fix them promptly. Waiting can lead to more costly, time-consuming, and complicated procedures.
If you have more questions, you can call our office at (619) 377-7586. Thank you.