Care for Dental Emergencies
At Aqua Dentistry in Midtown San Jose, Dr. Aishwarya Kumar understands that dental emergencies can happen at any time. Our team is committed to providing swift, expert care when you need it most. We offer same-day appointments for urgent dental issues, ensuring you receive the immediate attention necessary to alleviate pain, prevent further damage, and protect your oral health.
What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate professional attention to:
• Alleviate severe pain
• Control persistent bleeding
• Save a tooth
• Treat potentially serious infections
If you're experiencing any of these issues, don't hesitate to contact our Midtown San Jose office right away. Dr. Kumar and her team are equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies promptly and effectively.
Examples of Dental Emergencies
Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you make informed decisions about seeking immediate care. Here are some common scenarios that require urgent attention:
a) Severe Toothache: Persistent, intense tooth pain may indicate an infection or advanced decay. If over-the-counter pain relievers aren't providing relief, it's time to seek emergency dental care.
b) Knocked-Out Tooth: A dislodged permanent tooth requires immediate action for the best chance of saving it. Time is crucial in this situation.
c) Cracked or Fractured Tooth: Significant cracks or fractures can expose the tooth's sensitive inner layers, leading to pain and increased risk of infection.
d) Dental Abscess: This painful infection at the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth can be serious if left untreated. Symptoms include severe pain, swelling, and fever.
e) Lost Filling or Crown: While not always an immediate emergency, a lost filling or crown can lead to pain and sensitivity. It's best to have it addressed promptly to prevent further damage.
f) Soft Tissue Injuries: Significant cuts or lacerations to the lips, cheeks, or tongue may require immediate attention to control bleeding and prevent infection.
What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth
If you've knocked out a permanent tooth, follow these steps immediately:
1. Retrieve the tooth, handling it by the crown (top) only, not the root.
2. Gently rinse it with water if dirty, but don't scrub or remove any attached tissue.
3. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible. If not, keep it moist by placing it
in milk, a tooth preservation product, or between your cheek and gum.
4. Contact our Midtown San Jose office immediately. The chances of saving the tooth decrease significantly after 30 minutes.
How to Handle Other Common Dental Emergencies
a) Cracked or Chipped Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. Save any broken pieces if possible.
b) Object Stuck Between Teeth: Try to gently remove it with dental floss. Never use sharp objects to dislodge it.
c) Lost Filling or Crown: Keep the area clean and use temporary dental cement from a drugstore if needed until you can see Dr. Kumar.
d) Soft Tissue Injuries: Rinse with warm salt water and apply pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding. If bleeding doesn't stop, seek immediate care.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies are avoidable, you can reduce your risk by:
• Maintaining good oral hygiene
• Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities
• Avoiding chewing on hard objects like ice or hard candies
• Attending regular dental check-ups with Dr. Kumar
