A dental emergency can be painful and happen when you least expect it. Whether it’s a sudden, severe toothache or a knocked-out tooth from a sports injury, knowing what constitutes an emergency and having a trusted dentist on your side is crucial.
At Mint Dental Care in Sunnyvale, CA, we are equipped to handle a wide range of urgent dental situations. Our modern practice and experienced team are dedicated to providing fast, effective care to alleviate your pain and save your smile.
Here's a guide to some of the most common dental emergencies we treat and what you can do before you get to our office.
1. Severe Toothache
A toothache can be more than just a painful nuisance; it can be a sign of a serious underlying issue like a deep cavity, an infection, or a dental abscess.
What to do:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
2. Use dental floss to gently remove any food particles that may be stuck.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers.
4. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gums, as this can cause a chemical burn.
5. Call our office immediately.
2. Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
This is one of the most time-sensitive dental emergencies. Quick action can make the difference between saving or losing the tooth.
What to do:
1. Gently pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root.
2. If it's dirty, rinse it briefly with water. Do not scrub or remove any attached tissue or dry the tooth.
3. If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket.
4. If you can't, place the tooth in a small container of milk or a cup of your saliva to keep it moist.
5. Contact us right away. The sooner you get to our office, the higher the chance we can successfully re-insert the tooth.
3. Chipped or Broken Tooth
A broken or chipped tooth can be painful and lead to further damage if left untreated.
What to do:
1. Rinse your mouth with warm water.
2. Save any broken pieces of the tooth and bring them with you.
3. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops.
4. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce swelling and pain.
5. If the tooth has a sharp edge that is cutting your tongue or cheek, you can temporarily cover it with dental wax.
4. Lost Filling or Crown
When a filling or crown falls out, the exposed tooth can become extremely sensitive to temperature and pressure.
What to do:
1. Save the crown or filling if possible.
2. Do not try to force the crown back on if it doesn't fit easily.
3. Avoid eating or chewing on the side of the exposed tooth.
4. Call us to schedule an appointment for a replacement as soon as you can.
5. Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is an infection that results in the formation of pus in the gums or at the root of a tooth. Symptoms include severe, persistent pain, swelling, fever, and a pimple-like bump on the gums.
What to do:
1. Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution several times a day to help provide temporary relief.
2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, but do not place them directly on the gums.
3. A dental abscess is a medical emergency. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of your body. Contact our office immediately.
Why Choose Mint Dental Care for Your Emergency?
As your trusted general dentist in Sunnyvale, we understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our practice is equipped with modern technology to diagnose the problem quickly and provide effective treatment. We pride ourselves on offering same-day emergency appointments whenever possible to get you out of pain and back to your life.
Don't wait for the pain to become unbearable. If you're experiencing a dental emergency, contact our Sunnyvale office right away.
