Emergency Dentist
Sudden accidents or even health concerns can turn any day into the unexpected. But being prepared with a plan can go a long way toward ensuring you can get back to full health in no time. That is why Tropic Dental Care is proud to offer premium treatment by an emergency dentist in Riverside. Our care team is here for you when you need us most, providing same-day appointments for when life throws you and your smile a curve ball.
What Is an Emergency Dentist?
Emergency dentist care is much like other emergency care. That is, we provide the core treatments you may need when time is a key factor, ensuring you get timely care to keep you at your best. When this happens, Tropic Dental Care is by your side, offering same-day appointments and extra flexible scheduling to make sure that your concern is addressed as soon as possible. Our goal is to ensure your smile stays looking its best when life throws the unexpected your way. In short, we are here for you when you and your smile need us most to provide timely, compassionate care.
When Should I Call?
Most patients can trust their instincts when it comes to this question. Common sense is often the best factor for deciding if what you have is indeed an emergency dental situation or not. However, it can be tempting for some patients to put off treatment. But talking yourself into waiting or pushing through the pain is rarely a good idea. So if you notice any of the factors we list below, then it is high time you gave Tropic Dental Care a call. A team member can discuss your situation with you and discover if you indeed have an emergency on your hands. Either way, you can get key information that will lead to an ideal outcome.
Signs You Need Immediate Dental Care
- Bleeding from or around your gums
- Sudden or unexpected tooth loss
- Swelling gums
- Significant pain
- Visible cracks or breaks in a tooth
- Noticeable growths or sores that continue worsening
- Damage to dental prosthetics, such as implants or bridges
- A filling fell out
- Discolored gums
When in doubt, simply give us a call. At the very least, we can assess your situation and give you tips for what to do next. Call our phone number to get someone on the line who can work with you to find your ideal solution.
Common Emergency Procedures
Root Canal
One of the main emergency procedures we offer is a root canal treatment. Many patients might try to put off treatment for a painful tooth, often due to a busy schedule or dental anxiety. But when this happens, you can put your entire tooth and oral health at risk. We offer same-day options for root canals when treatment simply cannot wait any longer, and timely treatment can be the difference of life or death for your tooth.
Tooth Extraction
While wisdom teeth removal is rarely an emergency, your other teeth might present problems that require a faster timeline. Whether from damage, decay, or other factors, a tooth might need to be pulled to keep your oral health in overall better shape. We always use extractions as a last resort, but sometimes they simply need to be done.
Repairs and Replacements
Accidents can occur from something as simple as biting too hard on food. Whatever the cause, patients often can experience broken teeth, fillings falling out, and even damage to dentures or dental implants. When this happens, it can sometimes need fixing as soon as possible. Dental bonding and other restorative procedures can get your smile back on track on the same day as your mishap.
For most bodily injuries or maladies, an emergency room will be your go-to place. However, they will likely not be equipped to handle dental emergencies, so when your oral health is at risk, you need an emergency dentist. In general, it is always a good idea to call and explain your situation, so if it is an emergency, you can come straight to us instead of losing valuable time at the ER.
FAQs
What should I do with a knocked-out tooth?
Knocking out a tooth is a serious issue. However, it does not necessarily spell the end for your tooth. With the right steps and immediate treatment, there is a chance to put your tooth back in and save it.
When a tooth is knocked out:
- Handle the tooth only by the crown (top part).
- Gently rinse it with water, but do not scrub or use saltwater.
- Gently try to reinsert it into the socket if possible.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva, but not saline.
- Call us immediately and try to arrive within 30 minutes.
A knocked-out primary (baby) tooth is not an emergency. In fact, it should not be replanted, as this can harm the permanent tooth’s development.
What immediate steps can I take in common dental emergencies?
- Cracked or broken tooth: Rinse gently with warm water. Apply gauze for bleeding. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try not to lose any tooth fragments.
- Lost filling or crown: Gently rinse the area. Use temporary dental cement (available in many pharmacies) to protect the exposed tooth until your dentist can see you.
- Dental abscess: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain, but call us immediately.
- Severe tooth pain: Rinse with warm water. Gently floss to remove trapped food debris. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call us!
How can I prevent a dental emergency?
Many emergencies cannot be predicted, but you can still reduce your risk with good habits. Try to:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) to reduce the risk of decay.
- Wear a mouthguard during contact sports.
- Avoid biting down on hard items like ice or hard candy.
- Avoid using your teeth as tools (e.g., opening bags or packaging)
- Visit your dentist regularly for preventive care.
Can antibiotics help with a dental infection?
Antibiotics may be prescribed when a dental infection is present, especially when swelling or risk of spreading is present. However, antibiotics alone do not solve the core problem. Definitive dental treatment (i.e., root canal) is necessary for comprehensive treatment.
What should I bring to an emergency dentist visit?
Bringing the right items to your appointment will streamline your visit and get you treated faster. When you come in for an emergency dental appointment, bring:
- A valid photo ID (only if this is your first visit)
- Your dental or medical insurance information (if applicable and only on your first visit)
- A current list of any medications you are currently taking
- If your situation involves a broken or knocked-out tooth, bring the tooth or fragments with you (stored properly)
How much do emergency dentist treatments cost?
Emergency dental care costs depend on the treatment and its complexity. Fortunately, insurance plans generally cover any emergency dentistry treatments. The main factor is how much coverage your plan provides, which determines any out-of-pocket costs. Our patient care team works with emergency patients to help them understand expected costs before moving forward with treatments.
