Emergency Dentist Treating Patients in Orinda, CA
An accident involving your teeth or mouth can happen at any time of the day or night. Some situations warrant a visit with an emergency dentist, but others can wait to be addressed during regular business hours. How can you tell the difference? The experienced dental professionals at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, can offer some general guidelines on how to recognize a dental emergency.
When to See an Emergency Dentist
In addition to a fall, direct blow, or another type of trauma, a severe tooth or mouth injury can result from simply biting down on a hard piece of food. If you have an urgent dental issue, you should see an emergency dentist right away. Some examples include:
- An excruciating toothache
- A loose or knocked-out permanent tooth
- A jaw injury
For these dental issues, an emergency dentist should be your go-to unless your pain is unbearable or you have uncontrollable bleeding. In these instances, it would be best to go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.
When to Schedule a Dental Appointment
Some common dental issues that usually do not necessitate a visit with an emergency dentist include:
- A dull toothache
- A cracked or broken tooth
- A lost filling
- A dislodged crown or bridge
- Inflamed gums
- A broken night guard
To improve your comfort until you can see a dentist, you can apply cool compresses to your cheek or jaw, rinse your mouth with warm salt water, gently floss around a painful tooth, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
We’re Here for You
Dental emergencies can be both stressful and painful. Knowing what to do and where to go for treatment in advance can make a big difference. You can reach an emergency dentist at Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. by calling our office in Orinda, CA.
