• 3467 Rardin Drive, Palo Alto, CA, 94301

Emergency Dentistry

 

Dental Emergencies can occur at any time, often without warning, and they can range from mild discomfort to severe pain or injury. Emergency dentistry is dedicated to providing immediate, professional care for urgent dental issues, ensuring that you receive the attention you need to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and restore your oral health as quickly as possible. Whether you’re dealing with a sudden toothache, a broken tooth, a lost filling, or even a traumatic injury, emergency dentistry offers essential services to address these problems and prevent them from worsening.

When dental problems arise unexpectedly, getting prompt treatment can make a significant difference in the outcome. Our emergency dental services are designed to offer quick, effective solutions to a variety of urgent situations, helping you feel better and get back to your normal routine.

 

 

 

 

Severe Tooth Pain or Toothaches:

Severe tooth pain is one of the most common reasons people seek emergency dental care. Whether caused by a cavity, infection, or other dental issue, intense tooth pain can be debilitating and require immediate attention. If left untreated, tooth pain can worsen, leading to further complications such as abscesses, gum infections, or even tooth loss. Emergency care can provide relief from the pain, address the underlying cause of the discomfort, and help you avoid long-term damage.

Broken or Chipped Teeth:

Accidents, falls, or even chewing hard foods can cause teeth to break or chip, sometimes resulting in sharp edges that can cut your tongue or gums. A broken or chipped tooth not only affects the appearance of your smile but can also expose the tooth’s inner layers, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of infection. Emergency dentistry can repair the broken tooth, restore its function and appearance, and protect the remaining healthy tooth structure. Depending on the severity of the damage, treatments may include dental bonding, crowns, or even root canal therapy if the tooth pulp is affected.

Lost Fillings, Crowns, or Dental Work:

Fillings, crowns, and other restorations are designed to protect and restore damaged teeth, but sometimes they can become loose or fall out. If you lose a filling or crown, the exposed tooth can become more vulnerable to bacteria, food particles, and further decay, leading to increased pain or infection. If you lose a restoration, it's important to seek emergency dental care immediately. We can replace lost fillings or crowns and offer temporary solutions if needed to protect the affected tooth until a permanent restoration can be made.

 

 

 

Knocked-Out or Avulsed Teeth:

A knocked-out tooth, also known as an avulsed tooth, is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate action. If a tooth is knocked out due to trauma or injury, there’s a small window of time in which the tooth can potentially be saved and re-implanted into the socket. The first step is to handle the tooth by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently in water without scrubbing, and attempt to place it back in the socket. If this isn’t possible, storing the tooth in milk or a special dental solution can help preserve it until you can reach our office. The faster you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Abscesses or Infections:

A dental abscess is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of a tooth, often due to untreated cavities or gum disease. Abscesses are typically accompanied by severe pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes fever. If left untreated, abscesses can lead to systemic infections and other serious health complications. Emergency care is required to drain the abscess, address the infection, and reduce pain. Antibiotics may be prescribed, and in some cases, a root canal or extraction may be necessary to treat the underlying infection.

Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries:

Injuries to the gums, lips, tongue, or other soft tissues in the mouth can occur due to accidents or sports-related trauma. These injuries can lead to bleeding, swelling, or discomfort. If you experience a cut or injury to the soft tissues of your mouth, it's important to seek emergency care to stop the bleeding and prevent infection. We may use sutures to close the wound, and in some cases, you may need stitches or other treatments to promote healing.