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.
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