Hi, my name is Dr. Olga. Here at Always Beautiful Smile, we get a lot of questions about dental emergencies, so I'm here to answer the most commonly asked ones.
What is considered a dental emergency?
Anything that really grabs your attention in the mouth, such as any kind of pain, anything broken, or any big swelling, is considered an emergency. Swelling, especially, really shouldn't wait. There are a lot of important structures in the head and neck. If there's any kind of swelling, please make sure you get seen ASAP. We want to ensure you don't have anything bigger happen or anything wrong more than just a tooth. If there's anything broken, something sharp, you have tooth pain, toothaches, you can't sleep, you can't eat, or there's any kind of swelling, it's definitely a dental emergency. You should absolutely be seen as soon as possible.
When to see an emergency dentist vs. going to the emergency room vs. a regular checkup?
If there's something very wrong, such as a lot of swelling going up into the eye or down into your neck, major swelling in your cheek, or anything making it difficult for you to breathe, you should drop everything and go to the emergency room in the hospital. This is a big problem and likely a large infection, which probably can't be handled just at a regular dental office. Any major swelling must be seen in the emergency room. If you have a fever accompanying it, the emergency room is your next stop. For less severe problems, like a toothache, a little swelling, a pimple on your gum, something broken, or trouble chewing, it's an emergency. Give us a call, come on in, and we can help take care of you. If it's not that emergent, like a sharp spot on your tooth that doesn't bother you, it can wait until your regular scheduled appointment. If you notice a lot of buildup, dirty gums, or bleeding gums, schedule a regular checkup appointment, and we'll take care of it then.
Most common types of dental emergencies:
Number one is tooth pain or a toothache. If the tooth is throbbing and keeping you awake at night, if you can't eat, or if you have severe cold or hot sensitivity, come on in, and we'll help you get that taken care of. If there is swelling, not a whole face swelling but some swelling on the gum that is tender, come in; that's an emergency. If something is broken, like cracks in your teeth, or if food gets stuck in there, come in, and we'll check it out. Bleeding gums aren't necessarily an emergency, but healthy gums shouldn't bleed, so get checked out. Tooth sensitivity to cold or hot isn't a drop-everything emergency, but it should be checked out. If you've lost a cap, that's an emergency; bring the crown with you. A broken denture also needs to be addressed. We want you to be able to eat, function, and live your life. If any of those things are affected, it's an emergency; please come in and see the dentist sooner rather than later.
When do you need an emergency dental extraction?
An emergency dental extraction is needed when the tooth can't be saved. This is usually due to a cavity so big that it can't be fixed, a tooth so broken that it can't be fixed, or a large infection. Otherwise, we try to save the teeth because there's nothing better than your own teeth. Wisdom tooth pain is a real thing, so if you're concerned, come in and get checked out. If you lose a tooth, we need to start thinking about replacement options like bridges or implants. We usually like to do bone graft to preserve the site for future steps. If the tooth is fixable, we'll try to save it, but sometimes there's no other choice.
Emergency root canals:
Emergency root canals are needed when there's a throbbing toothache that keeps you from sleeping. If it's very sensitive to cold or hot, it's likely due to a large cavity affecting the nerve. In a root canal procedure, we remove the nerve causing the pain. The tooth is usually followed up with a post and crown. The procedure itself should be painless. If it hurts, it's because you waited too long. We want you pain-free during and after the procedure.
Same day care:
When possible, we love to offer help the same day. If you come in with a throbbing toothache or inability to eat, we'll do everything to help you that day, whether it's a root canal or extraction. Sometimes, a large infection may require antibiotics first, but if we can help you the same day, we will.
Late hour appointments:
We understand people have to work and can't make it to a 1:00 PM appointment. We are open 4 days a week until 8:00 PM, so if you need to come in at 5, 6, or 7 PM, that option is available. We want you to be able to come in, get seen, get treated, and get helped. If that means coming in after work Monday through Thursday, we're more than happy to see you after hours.
What is Emergency Dentistry?
Emergency Dentist Services are designed to provide fast and effective dental care for unexpected dental issues, such as severe toothaches, broken or chipped teeth, and other dental emergencies. Our team of skilled professionals uses state-of-the-art technology and techniques to diagnose and treat dental emergencies quickly and effectively.
Fast and Effective Care
Our Emergency Dentist Services are designed to provide fast and effective care for unexpected dental issues, ensuring that you get the care you need when you need it most.
Pain Relief
Dental emergencies can be painful, and our team of professionals is here to help alleviate your pain and discomfort.
Comprehensive Solutions
Our team of professionals is equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies, from severe toothaches to broken or chipped teeth and other dental issues.
At Always Beautiful Smile, we understand the importance of receiving prompt and effective dental care in the event of a dental emergency. Our team of professionals is committed to providing the best possible care to our patients when they need it most.
How We Can Help
We offer 24/7 emergency dental services, ensuring that you can get the care you need when you need it most. We also offer affordable and competitive pricing options for emergency dental services, and we work with insurance providers to ensure that our patients get the coverage they deserve.
- Experienced and Skilled Professionals
- Advanced Technology and Techniques
- Comfortable and Supportive Environment
- Comprehensive Care
Schedule your appointment today. Call us now! (440) 659-1455
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