Tooth pain is one of the key signs of an infected tooth, which may need emergency treatment.
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can dampen the pain until you arrive. But be sure to take them according to the drug's instructions on the label.
Contrary to some belief, icing an injury does not help it heal. However, it can help with symptom relief by keeping down swelling and numbing the area. But avoid icing any area for more than 10 minutes at a time.
Local numbing gels like Orajel can help numb a specific area. However, emergency pain might often be more than it can handle.
Contact our number to book your same-day visit with our Mission Viejo dentist. Timely care is often essential to preserving your oral health and overall well-being.
Tooth infections put your tooth and overall health at high risk. If not treated in time, an infection can lead to the tooth dying and forming an abscess. In many cases, the symptoms such as pain, swelling and sensitivity to hot and cold can come on quickly and severely, requiring emergency treatment.
If the tooth is still salvageable, timely treatment of the tooth has a 95% success rate in preventing the need for extraction. If you notice sudden symptoms such as pain, sensitivity, swelling, bleeding from gums and discoloration, then you likely need emergency treatment.
Saving your tooth is always the ideal solution, period. However, it might not always be suitable for teeth that are damaged or infected beyond repair. In these cases, such as severe decayed tooth, loose tooth, severe gum disease, cracked root, or painful wisdom tooth, removing the tooth is the best path forward for your smile and your oral health. Fortunately, we provide several ways to replace missing teeth and see a complete smile once again.
Quick repair for a damaged tooth can stop further issues down the road. While not all cracks or breaks might need a crown, many patients might require one to protect and strengthen the tooth and keep their smile in good shape. A durable crown is recommended if the tooth is badly damaged, cracked, or has a large cavity that can’t be fixed with a regular filling. If a crown falls out or breaks, then you may need a same-day appointment to put it back on in case it still has a good fit on or make a new one.
From cracks to being fully knocked-out teeth can sustain damage of all kinds from accidents or injuries. The good news is that fast treatment can save your tooth in many cases. Depending on the severity of the damage we offer a wide spectrum of treatments from filling a tooth, to extractions and dental implants or bridge. In the event of an injury, call our office and we can see you quickly to restore a damaged tooth, filling, or prosthetic. We also provide full instructions for what to do in the interim.
Dental emergency is a sudden and unforeseen oral condition that requires immediate treatment from a dental professional. It will look and feel like an emergency, any severe damage or symptoms related to your teeth or gums. Even if you are not sure, we advise calling our office and our staff can listen to your situation. We can then let you know if you need immediate attention and what steps to take.
First things first, do not panic. While a knocked-out tooth can look (and feel) like a nightmare situation, the truth is that we can still reattach your tooth in many situations. However, it is highly time-sensitive, so having treatment within an hour is your best chance of a good outcome.
Steps include: rinse the tooth and gently try to push it back in the socket. If this does not work, keep it moist in milk or your saliva and bring it to the dentist. Call us to let us know you are on your way and we will clear a slot for you.
Check for any bleeding or fragments of tooth in your mouth. Once you are clear, a warm water rise can help to remove any remaining fragments. If you are in pain take anti-inflammatory pain medication. Then head to our office and give us a call, bringing the broken-off part of your tooth if you can (storing it in milk or saliva to keep it moist).
Over-the-counter pain medication is a great start. But a lukewarm saltwater rinse can also be helpful, especially in keeping your mouth disinfected. Using a cold compress for 10 minutes on and off can also help at times, though avoid extended use. If the swelling is excessive, or it affects your breathing, or if you have high fever contact ER immediately.
We see emergency patients according to their needs. So, if you have an emergency, that's certainly a high need! We can see patients within half an hour in cases where time is utterly of the essence, such as a knocked-out tooth.
The ER is meant more for life-threatening injuries to the body, and they are usually not equipped to handle dental emergencies. You may even just be turned away and then have to go to a dentist anyway, losing valuable time. ER fees are also much higher than an emergency dentist visit in Mission Viejo. However, if you believe you have a life-threatening situation or broken jaw, the ER is the place to go. For all other tooth and gum-related issues, we are here for you.
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