No matter how diligently one plans ahead of time, mishaps still occur. No one is immune to the possibility of a dental emergency. Several distinct dental crises exist. Impact injuries such as those sustained in contact sports, automobile collisions, or falls may result in severe dental trauma, including cracked, fractured, loose, or knocked-out teeth. When you go to an emergency dentist, you want to get treatment for your teeth immediately.
What to Expect from Your San Diego Emergency Dental Visit
It’s best to be there 15 minutes early when you need to see an emergency dentist in San Diego, California. That way, you can finish any forms that need to be submitted.
A standard dental office intake form will begin with questions about your identity, insurance, and health. Find out ahead of time whether they take your insurance and how you plan to pay for your scheduled visit.
During the examination, the dentist will be able to let you know what procedures will be possible during this visit. Sometimes the solution is as simple as removing the problematic tooth or teeth. On the other hand, if you need surgery or a more prolonged operation, your doctor would likely prescribe pain medicine to get you through until your next scheduled visit.
Causes for Sudden Dental Concern
Accidents and dental crises happen anytime. You may be OK today but burst in pain. Toothaches sometimes occur unexpectedly. You suffer agonizing toothache or accidentally break a tooth at night. It might be loose filings or broken braces.
Finding a dentist on short notice takes a lot of work. San Diego dentists may need to be overbooked. Therefore, appointments may take two weeks. Others are closed overnight and on weekends, making them inaccessible in emergencies.
There are several situations when immediate dental care is required:
- The American Dental Association lists sports as the primary cause of adult tooth damage. Every San Diego, CA, sport requires last-minute medical checkups. A pickup basketball player’s teeth may be injured or knocked out. Young athletes too. Dental emergencies may happen even with a mouthguard.
- Tooth injuries are common, and automobile accidents are a significant cause. Even strong tooth enamel may not survive a steering wheel accident. Teeth are often broken as a result of the millions of annual accidents.
- Californians see emergency dentists for sudden and severe tooth pain. We can determine your issue by examining your teeth. A root canal is now needed for a little cavity. Gum disease may cause receding gums and exposed tooth roots. Both may need emergency medical care.
- An abscess forms in the jawbone if an infected tooth is left untreated for too long. This hurts like hell. A dental abscess may infect the jawbone and mouth floor, producing discomfort and swelling. If this occurs, it may be required to have oral surgery to eradicate the infection.
- Another typical source of dental crises is the breakdown of an earlier restoration. A dental emergency also exists if your filling or crown comes loose while eating or if you lose a crown.
When Should You Visit the Dentist ASAP?
Jaw fractures and dislocations, major soft-tissue injuries, and abscesses with considerable swelling are only a few examples of emergencies needing prompt treatment in the face or mouth. Other probable circumstances that call for immediate dental attention include the following:
- Irreparable toothache
- Recent tooth fracture
- Soft tissue damage, moderate to severe
- Gums that are swollen or diseased
- Intense discomfort in the jaw
- Abscess of a tooth
- Gums and mouth dripping blood
- Adult tooth looseness
- Misaligned braces
- Excruciating toothache
- Broken implants and fillings
However, not all dental emergencies need emergency treatment. Those who are immunocompromised or suffering from a life-threatening disease should prioritize receiving care from emergency medical services. A quick blow to the head or neck, severe swelling or bleeding, or trouble breathing or swallowing are all reasons to contact 911 or get straight to the hospital. When your symptoms aren’t the result of one of these life-threatening situations, we can aid by decreasing your discomfort and putting you back together again.
How to Look for a San Diego Dentist Open Late
When an unexpected dental problem happens in the San Diego region, it helps to know what kind of clinic you should visit beforehand. Dental emergencies may be handled by several different clinics, some of which are open around the clock. If you need to see a dentist immediately but need more time to schedule an appointment, a walk-in clinic is your best bet.
Those who live in San Diego but cannot see a dentist during work hours can access several clinics open late to meet their needs. Some dental offices are available throughout the week for extended hours so that people may come in even if they cannot take time off work.
In the Event of a Dental Emergency, What Should You Do?
A dental emergency may occur anytime, regardless of how carefully you care for your teeth and gums. Once your appointment is arranged, you can ease your discomfort while waiting.
Use sterilized gauze or cotton swabs/balls to soak up the blood in your mouth if it’s bleeding. The bleeding should stop after 15-30 minutes of applying pressure to your lips with a handkerchief. If the pain persists for over an hour, you should visit a walk-in clinic or the emergency department.
Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and cold packs may alleviate swelling and pain. Remember that aspirin is a blood thinner and shouldn’t be used to treat an oral injury since it may hinder appropriate clotting.
A dental emergency may be a terrifying experience. Many dentists at San Diego’s 24-hour dental clinics will schedule routine checkups to keep an eye on your teeth and gums, all in the interest of preventing the need for emergency care. This may help avoid any additional complications. No matter the nature of your dental emergency, Emergency Dentists San Diego is here to assist. Get in touch with San Diego’s 24-Hour Emergency Dentists now!