Renaissance Dental Care proudly features emergency dental treatment for those times when unpredictable accidents and mishaps occur. Our experienced team tries to be as available as possible when emergencies happen outside of our regular business hours.
Dr. Stockdale has put together a patient-friendly guide on how to treat dental emergencies when immediate care isn’t necessary.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any type of pain, damage, or injury caused to your teeth, gums, or mouth. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, give us a call at (909) 987-0040 as soon as possible so Dr. Stockdale can assess the problem and get you back on track.
How to Treat a Dental Emergency
For dental emergencies that don’t require urgent care, schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience and follow these helpful tips.
Toothache
Toothaches are often overlooked, but if the ache persists, it could be a sign of something more serious. If you’re experiencing pain, the first line of defense is to clean the area with warm salt water and a soft-bristled toothbrush.
To relieve any swelling, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply an ice pack to the affected area. Call our office if the ache continues so Dr. Stockdale can identify the cause of the pain and recommend the best course of action.
Fractured Teeth
If you have fractured, chipped, or cracked teeth, it’s important to contact us immediately to prevent further damage or infection. Keep the area clean by rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water and come in for emergency care as soon as possible.
If the inner pulp chamber isn’t exposed, it’s likely that you won’t require immediate dental care. Contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Stockdale so he can examine the area and determine the best solution for restoring your tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
If your tooth has been knocked out, it often requires emergency dental care in order to save the tooth. If possible, bring the tooth to your appointment but avoid touching it by the roots and gently rinse it off to remove any dirt.
Place the tooth in a container with milk or your own saliva to preserve the tooth. Dr. Stockdale will try to reattach your tooth if the damage isn’t sufficient. Otherwise, we’ll discuss your tooth replacement options with you during your appointment.
Soft Tissue Injury
In most cases, you won’t need emergency care if you’ve cut a part of your mouth or lip. Apply firm pressure to the area with a gauze or clean cloth to stop the bleeding. If it’s bruised or swollen, try applying a cold compress to help alleviate any pain or discomfort.
If the bleeding doesn’t stop, we suggest contacting our office for emergency care so Dr. Stockdale can assess the damage. You may require sutures or stitches to patch up the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any dental problem that requires prompt attention is considered a dental emergency, like a chipped, cracked, fractured, broken, or knocked-out tooth. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our office immediately at (909) 987-0040 and we’ll address the issue right away.
Other signs of a dental emergency may include nerve damage, severe tooth pain, puncture wounds, and more. If your dental problem can wait, follow our patient-friendly instructions listed above.
A cavity isn’t typically considered a dental emergency unless you’re experiencing a severe toothache or abnormal tooth sensitivity. This may be a sign of something more serious that requires additional care, like root canal therapy. If you’re experiencing pain or sensitivity, it’s best to contact us as soon as you can so we can schedule an appointment with Dr. Stockdale.
If you’re not sure whether you need emergency care, we recommend contacting our office to schedule an appointment so we can assess the problem. In some cases, brushing off a problem like a simple toothache can lead to more serious consequences. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to you and your oral health.
If you’re experiencing a toothache, Dr. Stockdale suggests taking an over-the-counter medication to relieve any pain or discomfort. These medications may include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin. If the pain continues after an hour or so, contact our office at your earliest convenience so we can determine the cause of your toothache.