Emergency Dental Care

Emergency Dental Care

Dental emergencies are any oral health problems that require immediate treatment. These issues can be painful, cause bleeding or swelling, and affect your ability to eat, speak, or sleep comfortably. Dental emergencies can range from mild to severe, and it’s essential to seek professional care as soon as possible if you want to protect your oral health.

At Waterman Boulevard Family Dentistry, the most common type of dental emergency we treat is tooth pain caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth feed on sugar from food particles left behind on your teeth after eating. This produces acid that eats away at your enamel and causes cavities. If left untreated, the cavity can progress to the tooth's pulp and cause an infection.

Other common dental emergencies in Fairfield, CA, include broken teeth, chipped teeth, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses. If you are experiencing any of these issues, seeing our dentist as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage.

Common Causes of Dental Emergencies

• Accidents, falls, sports-related impacts or any sudden blow to the face can result in dental emergencies like broken, chipped, or knocked-out teeth.
• An excruciating toothache can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, an abscess, infected gums, or a crack or fracture, which may necessitate immediate dental care.

• The dislodging of dental fillings or crowns can expose the underlying tooth to sensitivity, causing pain and potential further damage, and requires prompt treatment.
• When foreign objects, such as food particles or other items, become lodged between teeth or beneath the gumline, it can lead to discomfort, pain, or infection, necessitating removal or treatment.
• Infections or abscesses in the gums can result from untreated gum disease or other factors, causing swelling, pain, and the risk of systemic health issues.

What to Do in the Event of a Dental Emergency?

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Use floss to remove any food debris stuck between your teeth. If the toothache persists for over a day or two, contact our dentist to schedule an appointment.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

Save any pieces of the tooth that you can. Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling. Apply gauze to any bleeding areas.

Lost Filling or Crown

Save the piece that has fallen off your tooth and bring it to our dentist in Fairfield, CA. You can temporarily place the piece back in its spot with toothpaste or denture adhesive until you can see our dentist.

Knocked-Out Tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub the tooth or use soap. If possible, try to put the tooth back into its socket. If that’s not possible, place it in a container of milk or saliva to keep it moist. See our dentist immediately.

If you are experiencing an emergency dental situation, visit Waterman Boulevard Family Dentistry at 2801 Waterman Blvd., STE 120, Fairfield, CA 94534, or call (707) 429-0451. Delaying treatment can lead to further complications and more expensive treatment.