What Constitutes A Dental Emergency?
From severe toothaches to broken crowns, dental emergencies can happen at any time and require immediate attention. Knowing what constitutes a dental emergency can help you act quickly and protect your oral health.
- Severe or persistent toothache
- Knocked-out or loose tooth
- Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
- Lost filling, crown, or bridge
- Abscess or infection with swelling
- Uncontrolled bleeding from the mouth
- Injury to the jaw or soft tissues
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please contact our office immediately. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent further damage and alleviate pain.
Why Choose Us For Emergency Dental Care?
Same-Day Appointments
We prioritize emergency cases and strive to see patients on the same day they call, ensuring you receive prompt relief when you need it most.
Experienced Team
Dr. Julia Lee and her skilled team have extensive experience handling all types of dental emergencies with precision and compassion.
Compassionate Care
We understand that dental emergencies are stressful. Our team provides gentle, reassuring care to help you feel comfortable and at ease.
What To Do In A Dental Emergency
Knocked-out tooth: Handle the tooth by the crown, rinse gently without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket. If not possible, place it in milk and come to our office immediately.
Severe toothache: Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, use dental floss to remove any trapped debris, and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
Broken tooth: Save any pieces, rinse your mouth with warm water, and apply gauze to any bleeding areas. Use a cold compress and contact our office right away.
Contact Us NowFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I knock out a tooth?
Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root), gently rinse it without scrubbing, and try to reinsert it into the socket if possible. If reinsertion is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Contact our office immediately, as the best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth is within 30 to 60 minutes of the injury.
How quickly can I be seen for a dental emergency in Walnut Creek?
At Julia Lee DDS, we prioritize dental emergencies and strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible. If you are experiencing severe pain, swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, call our office right away and we will do our best to see you as soon as possible.
Is a toothache considered a dental emergency?
A severe or persistent toothache can indicate an infection, deep decay, or a cracked tooth — all of which require prompt professional attention. If your toothache is accompanied by swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, seek care immediately, as these may be signs of a serious dental abscess.
What should I do if my crown or filling falls out?
If a crown or filling falls out, keep it safe and contact our office as soon as possible to schedule a repair appointment. In the meantime, you can use dental cement or sugarless gum to temporarily cover the exposed area and protect it from sensitivity. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until it has been repaired.
Are dental emergencies covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for emergency treatments such as examinations, X-rays, and some restorative procedures. Coverage varies by plan, so we recommend calling our office before your appointment so our team can check your benefits and help you understand any out-of-pocket costs.
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We look forward to welcoming you and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.