Frequently Asked Questions
For your convenience, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about dental emergencies here. If your question is not answered here — or even if it is and you need additional help and guidance — please call us at (559) 299-2168. What does the dentist consider to be an emergency?
A dental emergency is something requiring immediate action to alleviate severe pain and/or treat a dental injury to the mouth. Typically, it’s considered an emergency and you should seek care right away if you’re experiencing uncontrollable bleeding, cracked or broken teeth, knocked out teeth, and/or severe, unrelenting pain in your teeth or jaw. The need for urgent dental care is not always caused by life-threatening problems, but should always be taken seriously to prevent further injury. Can the ER help with a tooth?
The emergency room can help treat the pain and discomfort you feel from a dental emergency. And they can tell you if a follow-up dental visit is necessary. However, they cannot actually treat the cause of the pain or perform dental work to fix the problem. Still, you should definitely seek treatment in the ER if you can’t reach a trusted emergency dentist like Dr. Lovik Mirzaeian.What is the most common dental emergency?
One of the most common dental emergencies involves trauma to the teeth. Cracked, broken, or knocked out teeth due to some kind of accident is a situation that requires immediate attention in order to fix the problem and prevent additional issues. This often means putting an emergency dental crown on the tooth or performing a tooth extraction. Is a filling falling out an emergency?
A filling falling out can be painful. It’s inconvenient. But emergency care is not usually needed. Call your dentist and get in to have a new filling put in as soon as possible.Is a dental abscess an emergency?
You should call your dentist and seek immediate care for a dental abscess. It is an infection, and it will not go away on its own. In fact, if left untreated, the infection can spread and cause other problems. Treatment may include draining the abscess (do not attempt this on your own!), performing a root canal, and/or prescribing antibiotics.What do you do in dental emergencies?
The first thing you should do in a dental emergency is call your dentist immediately. They will be able to evaluate your situation and give you the appropriate steps to take to handle your dental problem and get the care you need. It’s important to act immediately in dental emergencies. In some cases, waiting can make matters worse.When is a toothache an emergency?
Dental pain, such as a severe toothache, is an emergency when the pain is unbearably severe and doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain medication, when it’s accompanied by a fever, or if you’re experiencing swelling or having trouble swallowing or breathing. Any tooth pain that lasts longer than a few days should also be considered an emergency, and you should call your dentist for an appointment.How do I know if my tooth issues are an emergency?
The most reliable way to know if your dental issues need emergency dentistry is to call your dentist and describe what’s going on. They’ll be able to evaluate the situation, determine whether or not it’s an emergency, and give you the care you need.Can you go to the ER for a broken tooth?
Your dentist is always the first and best choice for handling a broken tooth. While you can go to the ER for a broken tooth, most ERs don’t have the capacity to actually give you dental care. They can give you something for the pain. They can also determine if there are other injuries (for example, broken jaw or fractures of other facial bones) that may need to be treated. Should I brush or floss a broken tooth?
No, you should not brush or floss a broken tooth; it can risk further damage. Instead, gently rinsing your mouth will help to keep it clean. And you should see your dentist right away to get the tooth repaired. When your dentist sees the condition of the broken tooth, they can give you further instructions on how to care for it until the repair is complete.