Dental emergencies occur daily, yet they often receive less attention than they deserve. Worse, it’s common for those experiencing them not to know what to do when they occur. Morning Star Dentistry is proud to provide a home for attentive, patient-focused care to Sonora, CA, and the surrounding communities. When dental emergencies occur, we want our patients to know we’re here to provide support. When you experience toothaches, dental injuries, or other dental emergencies, you want to know your next steps, and we strive to put your mind at ease.
Did you know…
that more than 1 in 3 kids will experience a dental emergency during childhood or adolescence? Often, these dental emergencies are caused by injury to the teeth, gums or soft tissues of the mouth. Though a dental trauma can occur at any point during childhood, children are most susceptible to them during the curious toddler years and during the pre-teen and adolescent years, when kids begin to participate in more vigorous sports.
Emergency Dental Care At Morning Star Dentistry
One thing that keeps people from seeking the necessary care is not knowing what constitutes a dental emergency. One of the most commonly ignored issues is a toothache, which can be a costly mistake over time. Persistent toothache is most often the result of an infection. These infections can permanently impact the tooth’s health, cause bone loss in the jaw, and even be life-threatening if left unaddressed.
Other common dental emergencies include:
- Severe, lasting toothaches
- Dental restorations becoming displaced, including crowns, fillings, and implants
- Tongue, gums, and cheeks becoming damaged
- Partial cracks and fractures of teeth, including microfractures
- Teeth that are chipped or broken
- Teeth that have become avulsed (knocked out)
When one of these conditions exists, your first step is calling our office in Sonora, CA. Our team will quickly triage your condition to determine if you should be seen immediately or if you can wait for an appointment. At-home care will also be advised depending on the nature of your emergency.
We will comprehensively evaluate your concern during your visit to our Sonora, CA, office. This may include intraoral scanners, digital x-rays, CT scans, and other tests to determine the extent of the damage and provide a diagnosis. The proper treatment for a dental emergency may include any or all of the following:
- Dental Fillings: Fillings may be necessary to address the damage done directly to the tooth.
- Root Canals: This treatment eliminates infection within the tooth and restores its structure while reducing the risk of future infection.
- Tooth Extractions: When more conservative approaches fail to save the tooth, it may become necessary to extract it. Restoration procedures often help to address the removed tooth, such as implants or bridges.
Another common type of dental emergency involves post-surgical complications. When the results of an oral surgery procedure are not healing properly, or have become infected, contact our office immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I prepare for a pediatric dental emergency?
Pediatric dental emergencies always happen when they are least expected. Preparation is essential for maximizing the outcome in an actual emergency. Start by storing the phone number of your child’s pediatric dentist in your phone for easy access. You can also take steps to prevent an emergency. For example, we recommend limiting your child’s exposure of hard foods and having a mouth guard custom-made for use when your child is participating in sports.
What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
If your child has an injury or pain affecting the teeth or gums, contact a pediatric dentist immediately. Visit your local emergency room if your child has uncontrolled bleeding or has suffered a head trauma.
My child’s permanent tooth was knocked out. How should I proceed?
If your child’s tooth is completely dislodged from the gum and jaw, retrieve the tooth immediately, being careful not to touch the root. Rinse it gently in clean water and place it in a glass of milk. If you have an older child, place the tooth gently back into the socket. Get to an emergency dentist immediately, as time is a critical factor in saving a lost tooth.
Contact Us When Dental Emergencies Strike
If you live in or around the Sonora, CA, area, call us immediately if you experience a dental emergency. Even in cases where a tooth has been knocked out, it may be possible to save the tooth. Regardless of the nature of your dental emergency, we can ensure you know the best steps to take to preserve your smile. We’re dedicated to helping our patients maintain and restore their oral health, which is why we’re always available.
