A dental emergency is a sudden and severe dental problem requiring immediate care. Getting quick, professional dental care is essential for salvaging soft tissue, dental structure, or a dental restoration. Emergency dentistry is one of the general dentistry services we provide. If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we encourage you to call our office immediately for prompt attention.
Emergency Dentistry Services in Oxnard, CA
A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. These situations often involve injuries, infections, or sudden, severe symptoms that, if left untreated, could lead to more serious complications. Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you take the right steps when faced with an urgent situation.
Severe Tooth Pain
A persistent, throbbing toothache can signal various problems, such as tooth decay, an infection, or a cracked tooth. Toothaches are often accompanied by swelling, sensitivity, or a bad taste in the mouth.
How to handle it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce inflammation. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for this rinse.
- Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove food particles that could be causing discomfort.
- To manage pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums, as it can cause irritation.
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Acting quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth.
How to handle it:
- Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white, visible part) without touching the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap.
- If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down gently on a clean cloth or gauze.
- If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, store it in a container of milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth preservation solution. Avoid letting the tooth dry out.
- Call our office so that you can be seen as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Tooth
A chipped or broken tooth can occur from biting down on something hard, an accident, or grinding your teeth. Depending on the severity, it may expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain or sensitivity.
How to handle it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Save any broken tooth pieces and keep them in milk or saliva if possible.
- Cover the sharp edges of the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts to your tongue or cheeks.
- Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
Lost Filling or Crown
When a filling or crown falls out, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.
How to handle it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
- If possible, retrieve the crown and clean it. You can use dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily reattach it or cover the exposed tooth.
- Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further damage.
Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a serious infection that can appear as a swollen, painful bump on the gums near a tooth. It’s often accompanied by fever, a bad taste in the mouth, or swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.
How to handle it:
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help eliminate the infection and reduce discomfort.
- Avoid applying heat to the area, as it can worsen the swelling.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain.
- Seek immediate dental care—abscesses require professional drainage and antibiotics to treat the infection.
Call Our Office
When you have an emergency, call our office immediately. You must get treatment as soon as possible. For dental issues that aren’t emergencies, schedule an appointment online or call our office.