Emergency Dentistry – Coronado, CA
Don’t Delay When You Need Treatment Today!
When an emergency appears, the last thing you should do is put off treatment. Not only will your condition get worse, but the cost of treating your dental issue will be more likely to go up! At Advanced Dentistry, it doesn’t matter if you’re experiencing tooth pain due to tooth decay or from forced trauma, our dental office can help you restore your oral health and stabilize your condition. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call our dental office and schedule an emergency appointment!
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
While there are many ways to improve your dental emergency, you’re going to need a professional’s help to resolve it completely. That’s why we always recommend our patients to call our dental office and schedule an emergency appointment. We’ll do everything possible to get you seen the same day, but until then, consider the best next steps below. Whether you’re experiencing tooth pain, broken or fractured teeth or worse, here’s what you should do next.
Toothaches
Use dental floss to remove potential food debris caught between teeth. If pain continues, take an over-the-counter painkiller and use a cold compress in 10-minute intervals if swelling is present. Do not take aspirin as it can cause a burning sensation if it touches your affected tooth. Tooth pain may be a result of decay or infection, which may require antibiotic therapy and/or a root canal depending on the severity.
Chipped/Broken Tooth
Collect any pieces of chipped or broken tooth and bring them to the dental office. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until getting to our dental office. If swelling is present, use a cold compress to reduce it, making sure not to apply it to your face for too long. Take painkillers and use either wax paraffin or sugarless gum to cover the tooth if needed. Sharp teeth can easily cut gum or inner cheek tissue if left uncovered. A crown may be used to repair and restore the tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Stay calm and locate the tooth as quickly as possible. Pick it up by the crown portion and avoid touching the root or any tissue still attached to the root. If dirt or debris is stuck to the tooth, use cool water to gently rinse it. Once cleaned, place the tooth back into your socket to keep it preserved until your visit. If this is not possible, place the tooth inside of a container of milk, saline solution, or saliva. We’ll do our best to re-implant the tooth. However, we also have multiple tooth replacement options if needed.
Lost Filling/Crown
While this may not seem like a dental emergency at first, an exposed tooth can feel extra sensitive or even painful if it loses its protective crown. If the crown is lost, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you get to our dental office. If you still have the crown, clean it and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Then, use dental cement or denture adhesive to temporarily re-seat it. You’ll likely need a new restoration to cover the tooth.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
Most dental emergencies can be avoided if you simply practice daily at-home oral care. This includes brushing twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste and flossing daily. However, it also means being cautious when chewing hard foods. Outside of at-home care, you should always visit our dental office once every six months for checkups and cleanings. Furthermore, if you participate in contact sports or suffer from unconscious teeth grinding, a protective mouthguard or nightguard will be necessary.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Paying for your dental emergency starts by determining exactly what treatment would work best for your case. For example, chipped teeth may only need minor direct bonding to restore, while severely damaged teeth may need a crown or even tooth replacement to fix. Once we’ve gotten a chance to evaluate your tooth more closely, our dentists can create a treatment plan with specific costs. The last thing you should do is put off your emergency appointment when you need it.
