Emergency Dentistry

While we hope you never experience a dental emergency, it’s important to be prepared just in case. When the unexpected happens, having a trusted dentist by your side like Dr. Jenny Lee can make all the difference in getting the prompt and compassionate care you need.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

If you’re unsure whether a situation qualifies as a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call our office. We’re here to help guide you on the best course of action, whether that means coming in for an immediate visit, scheduling a follow-up, or seeking emergency room care.

Below are some of the many instances that qualify as dental emergencies.

EXTREME BLEEDING:

Gum bleeding can sometimes occur if oral care has been neglected, but if you experience intense or uncontrollable bleeding, it’s important to seek emergency room care immediately.

If gums only bleed periodically when you brush or floss, this may be a reason to visit our office for a regular oral health checkup. It could be a sign of gum disease. To avoid this dental issue, be sure to practice proper dental hygiene constantly. This includes brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to fight back against oral infections.

TOOTH DAMAGE:

If a tooth is broken, chipped, or knocked out, it’s important to seek dental care immediately. Contact our office as soon as possible so we can provide prompt treatment. In some cases, if seen quickly, the original tooth can even be reattached.

We offer many solutions to tooth injuries:

• Dental Crowns: Protective caps placed over a tooth to restore it.
• Dental Bonding: Using moldable putty to replace broken pieces of a tooth.
• Dental Implant: A small rod that replaces the root of a tooth. A crown can be placed on top.

Infection:

Tooth infections can develop for various reasons, including oral hygiene issues or health conditions such as pregnancy. If you notice any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to visit Dr. Lee for a thorough evaluation:

• High Sensitivity To Food/Drinks: The bacteria that cause an infection create holes in your teeth, exposing the sensitive inner parts of the teeth. These inner parts are sensitive to hot or cold temperatures in food and drink.
• Signs of Fever: Sometimes, your teeth are to blame for fever-like conditions such as swollen lymph nodes or high temperatures. If these conditions become unmanageable, ask your doctor if these symptoms may be the result of a dental infection.
• Spurts of Pain: Noticeable toothaches or dental pain can arise from dental infections or other complications. Part of your tooth could be cracked, letting bacteria inside and inflaming the inner parts of the tooth.
• Deeply Stained Teeth: Soda, sugary snacks, and other food can often cause tooth stains. However, some stains can be caused by tooth infections. The darkened enamel occurs because of the diseased tissue beneath the tooth’s surface.

Emergency treatment for tooth infections includes cavity fillings, root canals, and extractions. Each treats a different level of infection severity.

WHAT TO DO IN A DENTAL EMERGENCY

Your response to a dental emergency will vary depending on the situation. Here are some steps you can take to address common dental emergencies:

• Bleeding: If you’re bleeding from the mouth, try to stop the blood flow with some ice or gauze. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to the emergency room.
• Tooth Injuries: Keep the broken part of a tooth moist in milk or your cheek. Call Jenny Lee DDS so we can repair your tooth quickly.
• Tooth Aches: Take over-the-counter medications to help with pain, and use an ice pack for swelling. Give us a call if the problem persists for more than a few days.

DON’T WAIT—Call Us Right Away for Your Dental Emergenices!

Timely care is crucial in a dental emergency. Visit Dr. Lee for prompt and compassionate treatment. We’re here to help you get back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.