What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Santa Teresa Dental is pleased to offer trusted dental emergency services to patients of all ages in Morgan Hill, CA, and the surrounding communities. We understand that having a dental emergency can cause pain and stress, and we are here to support you and your loved ones every step of the way. 

What Constitutes a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a situation that requires immediate care to control bleeding, alleviate severe pain, save a tooth, or treat a severe infection. If you’re not quite sure whether you or a loved one are experiencing a dental emergency, consider the following questions: 

• Is there severe, uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth?
• Is there severe, persistent tooth pain?
• Is there a knocked-out, dislodged, or loose tooth?
• Are there signs of infection, such as swelling, fever, or a bump on the gums indicating an abscess?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, the situation is likely a dental emergency requiring immediate care. 

What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency? 

If you or a loved one have a dental emergency, please call our office at 408-782-6568, and we will get you taken care of as soon as possible. If you need emergency dental care after hours, please call our office number to be connected to our clinical staff on call. 

Note: If you or a family member have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 for assistance. 

Preparing for a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so it’s always helpful to be prepared. Keep a first aid kit readily available, including our office phone number (408-782-6568), clean gauze, a small container with a lid, bottled water, saline solution, and ibuprofen (not aspirin). 

Things to Do in Common Dental Emergencies

Here are some things you can do while waiting to receive emergency care:

Severe Tooth Pain: A severe toothache can develop due to infection, deep decay, tooth fracture, or trauma. Clean the area with warm water and floss to release any trapped item between two teeth. Apply a cold compress to relieve swelling or discomfort. Contact us immediately for prompt relief. 

A Displaced or Loose Tooth: Try to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using gentle pressure without forcing it. Bite down on gauze to keep the tooth from moving. Dr. Huang may recommend a splint to stabilize the affected tooth and keep it in place. 

A Knocked-Out Tooth: Pick up the tooth gently by the crown while avoiding touching the root. Rinse it in lukewarm water to remove any dirt but, do not scrub to keep root fibers intact and try to place it back in its socket. If that’s not possible, carry it between your cheeks or gums to keep it moist or place it in a container of milk. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of being saved when treated within an hour of injury, so make sure you contact us right away. 

A Fractured or Broken Tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and use cold compresses to reduce pain or swelling. Contact us immediately for an appointment to determine the extent of the damage. We will do everything we can to save the tooth. 

Soft Tissue Injury: Injuries to the inside of the mouth, including tears, puncture wounds, or lacerations to the cheek, lips, or tongue, may cause extensive bleeding. Clean the area with warm water and place pressure using clean gauze to reduce the bleeding. If you cannot control the bleeding, head to the nearest hospital emergency room for the needed care. 

Less Urgent Dental Emergencies: Some dental issues require attention but can wait until the next day. These include missing dental crowns or fillings, mild tooth pain, and minor tooth chips. Contact our office, and we will take care of you as soon as possible.  

Emergency Dental Care in Morgan Hill, CA

Dr. Huang and his team at Santa Teresa Dental have the skill, experience, and expertise to care for dental emergencies. Keep our office phone number on hand – 408-782-6568 – and contact us immediately to alleviate any discomfort and get your smile back on track. You can always count on us for compassionate, gentle care.