Dental Emergencies

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any type of oral health problem that requires immediate attention. Making it to Foothill Dental Care quickly for a dental emergency could mean the difference between saving and losing your tooth or needing to undergo a complex dental procedure like oral surgery.

Foothill Dental Care always sets aside time to provide treatment for dental emergencies.

What are some examples of dental emergencies?

At Foothill Dental Care, the team treats a variety of dental emergencies, including:

• Severe toothaches
• Bleeding gums
• Tooth sensitivity
• Mouth sores
• Broken, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Damaged oral prosthetics (e.g., crowns, bridges, and dental implants)

You might also benefit from emergency dental care if you get hit in the mouth while working or playing sports or you get an object, like a toothpick, stuck between your teeth.

If I experience a dental emergency, what do I need to do?

If you or a loved one suffers a dental emergency, it’s important to act as quickly as possible and stay calm. If you damage a prosthetic like a crown or bridge, carefully pick up the pieces and put them in a plastic bag, then contact the team at Foothill Dental Care.

If you lose a permanent tooth, gently pick it up by the top and rinse it off in tap water. Try to put your tooth back in the socket, but if it wobbles around, place it in a glass of milk or tuck it inside your cheek. Contact Foothill Dental Care and explain how your tooth fell out. The receptionists can recommend ways to relieve pain and minimize bleeding on your way to the office.

Whatever you do, don’t wait. The sooner you arrive at Foothill Dental Care, the less likely you are to experience serious complications.

What actions can I take to lower my risk of dental emergencies?

Dental emergencies happen from time to time, but there are things you can do to lower your risk. The team at Foothill Dental Care recommends practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, getting professional teeth cleaning, and having an oral exam every six months.

If you play contact sports like basketball, hockey, and football, or you mountain bike or skateboard, always wear a mouthguard. At the same time, it’s important to wear a night guard if you clench your jaws or grind your teeth.

Lastly, try to avoid bad habits like nail-biting, chewing on ice cubes, or opening objects with your teeth. 

To receive immediate care for a dental emergency, schedule an appointment at Foothill Dental Care. Call the office or request an appointment online today.