Dental Emergency FAQs Montclair, CA

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention from a dental professional to alleviate pain, stop bleeding, or prevent permanent damage or tooth loss. Examples of dental emergencies include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, infections, and severe gum swelling.

You can take several steps to prevent dental emergencies:

• Practice good oral hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily
• Attend regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Avoid chewing on hard objects or ice
• Wear a mouthguard during sports activities
• Avoid using your teeth to open packages or cut things

• Dental Pain: If you're experiencing acute dental pain, give us a call as soon as you notice any discomfort. The longer you wait, the more you risk infection, and the more painful it may become.
• Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth: A tooth may break due to an accident, injury, or decay weakening it. Acting quickly can prevent dental pain, infection, and further damage.
• Lost Temporary Crown: A lost temporary crown can impact the fit of your permanent crown if not replaced promptly. We can create another temporary crown for you.
• Broken or Lost Filling: A broken filling can leave your tooth vulnerable to further decay and infection and should be examined and repaired as quickly as possible.
• Knocked-Out Tooth: Trauma to the face can result in losing a permanent tooth. Seeing us right away can improve the chances of saving the tooth.
• Inflamed Gums: Gum inflammation can be a sign of gum disease or a foreign object stuck in the gums. We can determine the cause and provide the necessary treatment.
• Facial Swelling: Swelling can be due to trauma, infection, or a TMJ disorder flare-up. We can examine the swelling and recommend appropriate measures.
• Bleeding: Bleeding can be a sign of gum disease, infection, mouth ulcers, or other health conditions. Contact our office to determine if your bleeding is an emergency.
• Infection: Tooth or gum infections may require antibiotics. We will address the cause and provide a treatment plan.

If something is stuck in your tooth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. Avoid using sharp objects or excessive force, as they can damage your gums or tooth enamel. If you can't remove the object or the pain persists, see your dentist as soon as possible.

Don't hesitate if you are experiencing a dental emergency. Contact Dentist of Montclair right away! Letting us know as soon as a problem starts prevents complications and allows us to make recommendations based on our experience and your health.

If your tooth gets knocked out, follow these steps:

• Handle the tooth by the crown (top) and avoid touching the root (bottom).
• Rinse the tooth gently with water to remove any debris.
• Try to place the tooth back into the socket if possible. Hold it in place with a clean cloth or tissue.
• If you can't reposition the tooth, keep it in a container of milk or saliva.
• Contact your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.

The cost of emergency dental services can vary depending on the specific treatment required. Dental insurance typically covers some or all of the costs. If you don't have insurance, our office can work with you to create a flexible payment plan that suits your needs.

At Dentist of Montclair, we treat various dental emergencies, including:

• Severe toothaches
• Broken or fractured teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Dental abscesses
• Swollen or bleeding gums
• Lost dental restorations
• Dental trauma or injuries