When you’re in the middle of a dental emergency, it’s important to know what steps to take and who to call. In this blog, we’ll help you determine when an emergency is serious enough for an immediate visit to the dentist.

What is a dental emergency, and what to do when you face a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is not the same as a dental problem. A dental problem can be anything from missing teeth to a cavity or abscessed tooth, to gingivitis or periodontal disease. Dental emergencies are usually caused by an accident or injury (such as having a tooth knocked out) and may need to be treated right away by a dentist or an oral surgeon. Here are some of the common dental problems that can be termed into the category of a dental emergency:

An ache in the tooth and the bone surrounding it

Toothache is a common symptom of dental problems. The pain can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities. A cracked tooth or loose filling can also cause you to experience a toothache.

If left untreated, the pain will persist and may even worsen as time goes on. If you’re experiencing this type of discomfort when eating or drinking something hot or cold, it’s important not to ignore it until it goes away on its own because that could result in serious infections such as sepsis (a life-threatening infection).

Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth

If you chip a tooth, don’t try to repair it yourself. Chipping or cracking your teeth is generally not something that can be repaired by a DIY fix. You should see a dentist as soon as possible to have the damage assessed and treated, if necessary.

Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until you’ve seen a dentist who can assess the damage and get you back on track with healthy teeth and gums. The longer you wait before getting treatment for chipped or cracked teeth, the more likely it is that the problem will worsen—and may even require root canal treatment (which isn’t cheap).

Lost filling or tooth cap

If you have a gap in your teeth, you may need to replace a lost filling or tooth cap. If this is the case, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can get it replaced, the easier it will be for them to repair any damage done by having open space between your teeth.

If you are missing a crown or bridge from one of your teeth, call our office immediately so that we can help find suitable options for making sure that those gaps don’t cause any harm to the rest of your mouth. A missing crown or bridge can lead to further problems down the road if left untreated—and replacing them is much more difficult once they’ve been gone for some time because they’re no longer available on record at most stores and local dentists’ offices around town.

Knock out teeth or injury to teeth

If you have lost a tooth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The sooner you can see a dentist, the better chance you have of saving the remaining teeth from damage by keeping them clean and stable.

If you can find your missing tooth, try to keep it in an airtight container until you can get to the emergency room or clinic. If this isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk; it will keep longer than saliva (which contains enzymes that break down bone tissue), but not nearly as long as water — which is where many people mistakenly put their knocked-out teeth).

If you lose multiple teeth at once, call us immediately! This type of dental emergency requires immediate attention because there is more risk involved when multiple teeth are knocked out at once versus just one or two.

Call your local dental clinic if you experience any of the above symptoms or have any other dental issue that you feel needs immediate attention.

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms or have any other dental issue that you feel needs immediate attention, call your local dentist. Ask for an emergency appointment and have a friend or family member drive you to the appointment. If you’re unable to drive, call an ambulance.

How to Find the Best Local Dental Services

When you need a dentist, look for one in your neighborhood. It’s best if you can find someone who is close by and willing to come help during emergencies. If you don’t know anyone personally, ask friends and family members for recommendations on dentists they have had experience with. You may also want to search online for local dental services in your area.

Another option is to contact the dental school at a nearby university and ask if any students are working on their doctorates who might be available during an emergency.

Paragon Dental – The Best in Providing Emergency Dental care

If you need immediate dental attention for any reason in the Modesto, California area, there is no need to wait until Monday morning. Dental emergencies can be treated right away by an experienced dentist who will assess the problem and quickly fix it for you so that you can get back to your normal routine.

If you have an emergency with your mouth, call Paragon Dental (209) 548-0100 for the best emergency care immediately!