Dental Emergency Care In Thousand Oaks, CA

When a tooth is knocked out, chipped, or fractured, this can increase your risk of losing the tooth permanently. These conditions can cause you severe pain, making eating and talking difficult. You should visit your dentist within 1-2 hours of the incident, if possible. If you’ve lost a tooth, visit the dentist immediately. They may be able to save the tooth and help you get rid of the pain and discomfort.

What Causes Dental Emergencies?

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate treatment from a dentist. Dental emergencies can include:

• Knocked-out tooth
• A broken or chipped tooth
• A broken dental restoration
• Tooth pain that cannot be relieved by over-the-counter medication
• Jaw pain
• Swelling
• Bleeding
• Traumatic dental injury
• Dental abscess

When Should I Contact an Emergency Dentist vs. My Regular Dentist?

It can be confusing to know when you should contact an emergency dentist vs. your regular dentist. Typically, your regular dentist is the best point of contact when you have an urgent dental need. However, there are certain situations that might call for contacting an emergency dentist.

If your emergency is life-threatening, you should call 911 immediately. You should also contact an emergency dentist if you have a painful dental condition that cannot wait a couple of days for an appointment with your regular dentist. For example, if you are experiencing extreme tooth pain, swelling, or an infection, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Common Dental Emergencies Explained

Some dental emergencies require immediate attention. If you are experiencing any of the following, contact an emergency dentist right away:

• Pain and swelling: If you have a dental emergency, such as a broken jaw or dislodged tooth, you will likely feel pain and swelling. Try to put a cold compress on the outside of your mouth and call your dentist or an emergency dentist right away.
• Lost filling: If you lose a filling, you can temporarily fix the problem with a cotton ball and clove oil. However, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible and have the filling replaced.
• Object caught between teeth: If you have an object caught between your teeth, try to remove it with floss. If that doesn’t dislodge the stuck object, see a dentist as soon as possible.
• Broken tooth: A broken tooth can lead to a lot of pain and cause infection if left untreated. When you visit us for a consultation, we will treat and restore the tooth using crowns, veneers, or dental bonding.
  

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

The best way to prevent a dental emergency is to maintain good oral health habits. While accidents can happen, patients who practice good oral hygiene can prevent issues such as tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer.

Brush and floss daily. Brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal is your best defense against plaque, which is the leading cause of tooth decay. Plaque is a sticky, colorless substance that coats the surface of your teeth. Plaque buildup can lead to dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Be sure to brush twice a day and floss once daily.

To find out more about the dental services we offer at Finesse Dental Care, call (805) 410-9324 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit Dentist in Thousand Oaks, CA at 860 Hampshire Rd., Suite E, Thousand Oaks, CA 91361.