As a dentist in Anaheim, we regularly get calls from patients wondering if they need to come in for an immediate appointment or if they can address the problem in a day or two. This is a good question, and while the answer changes based on the circumstances, there are certain signs you can watch for that are clear indicators it is time to visit our office right away. For example, if you have a tooth knocked out, you need to call us.
Whether it happened while wrestling with your kids or while playing basketball on your lunch break, we can possibly save a knocked out tooth if you come in right away. Another clear example is if you chip or crack your tooth. In these situations, call us and we will schedule you for the first available appointment. Otherwise, here are a few things to try when making this determination.
Getting a toothache is incredibly common. Typically, this is a sign that you are suffering from tooth decay or an infection that requires treatment. We encourage you to call our office to schedule an appointment to do so. However, before you visit the dentist, there are certain things you can do to help yourself feel better.
You may have a piece of food stuck between your teeth that may cause irritation. Teeth become more sensitive as you age because the enamel wears off. As it does, drinking a soda or eating a piece of candy could set your teeth on edge and even give you a toothache. Gently brushing your teeth and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash will help you feel better if that is the culprit. Otherwise, it is likely that you have a health problem and will benefit from calling us for the first available appointment.
If your gums start to bleed, we recommend that you rinse your mouth with warm water and spit. Pay attention to whether or not anything comes out in your spit. For example, if a full tooth or part of one comes out, you know that you have a problem and need to visit our office immediately. However, if you rinse your mouth out and still cannot tell what is wrong, look inside your mouth with a flashlight or better yet, call our office for an appointment.
If you had a dental restoration of any kind and that restoration becomes damaged or loose, you need to call for an urgent appointment. Before placing a veneer or dental crown, the tooth has to be permanently altered by having a portion of the enamel removed. As a result, you will always need a properly secured restoration on that tooth.
Regardless of what your dental emergency is, you are always welcome here. Call us and let us know what your question is, so we can answer it and make a recommendation as to what you should do next.
If you've knocked out a tooth, it's an emergency dentistry situation, and you should call your dentist immediately. If they can't see you right away, an emergency dentist can help you in the meantime by putting the tooth back in place and providing emergency dental care until you can get to the dentist's office. Read…
A toothache occurs when one or more of your teeth have been damaged, and it might be a sign that emergency dentistry is needed. Toothaches are sometimes accompanied by a fever, and that is often a sign of an infection in or around a tooth.A dental infection is a serious health issue because the infection…
If you experience a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth or severe tooth pain, your best bet is to visit the emergency dentist. However, some people opt to visit the ER for such emergencies, eventually wasting time and money. It is more vital than ever to know where to go when you experience serious issues…
Some people may not realize how improper oral care can have a negative impact on their overall health. Untreated tooth decay does not heal without treatment and usually worsens over time. When those with multiple cavities ignore their dental needs, they may be putting themselves at risk for a variety of other medical problems, some…
An experienced cosmetic dentist can provide dental veneers to help you regain your smile. The custom-fit shells can improve your looks. Each one can even provide support for your teeth. Here are the questions to ask your cosmetic dentist to find out if getting veneers will be a good decision for you.These thin shells go…
An implant dentist provides a wide range of services to restore oral health, enhance smiles, and improve overall dental function. These dental providers specialize in dental implants, a reliable and long-lasting solution for missing teeth. From placement to aftercare, the services offered by an implant dentist are designed to meet each patient’s dental needs.Dental implants…