Emergency Dentist In Gilroy
Emergency Dentist Near You
A dental emergency can lead to serious complications if left untreated, often resulting in permanent damage or requiring extensive procedures in the future. If you experience a dental emergency, contact our office immediately at (408) 842-0418 or use our contact form.
To minimize the risk of dental emergencies, consider the following precautions:
- Wear a Mouth Guard – If you participate in contact sports such as hockey, football, or boxing, a mouth guard can help prevent serious oral injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth.
- Eat Wisely – Hard candies, nuts, and crunchy meats can cause chips or cracks in your teeth. Be mindful of what you eat and avoid biting down forcefully.
- Avoid Chewing Non-Food Items – Biting nails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packaging can result in cracks or chips. Opt for sugarless gum instead, which helps stimulate saliva production and cleanse bacteria.
Common Dental Emergencies and How to Handle Them
List of Services
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Toothaches
Rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove any lodged food. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to your cheek. Avoid placing aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the gums as they can cause irritation.
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Lost Filling
Before your appointment, place a piece of sugar-free gum into the cavity or use an over-the-counter dental cement for temporary relief.
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Lost Crown
If you cannot visit our office immediately and experience discomfort, apply a small amount of clove oil to the affected tooth using a cotton swab. You may attempt to place the crown back using dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive.
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Dislodged (Luxated) Tooth
A tooth pushed sideways or out of its socket requires immediate attention. We can reposition and stabilize it, though root canal treatment may be necessary. Apply a cold compress before arriving at our office to ease discomfort.
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Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth
Time is critical. Handle the tooth carefully, avoiding contact with the root. Rinse it gently with water (without soap) and, if possible, place it back into its socket. If reinsertion is not possible, store the tooth in milk and visit our office or the nearest emergency room immediately.
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Loose Brackets and Bands
If a bracket becomes loose, reattach it with orthodontic wax until your appointment. If it has fallen off, save it for replacement.
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Broken Braces and Wires
If a wire is poking your gums or cheek, use the eraser end of a pencil to push it into a more comfortable position. Cover the exposed wire with orthodontic wax or a cotton ball. Avoid cutting the wire as this could lead to accidental swallowing.
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Soft-Tissue Injuries
For injuries to the lips, tongue, cheeks, or gums:
- Rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution.
- Apply gauze or a tea bag with pressure for 15–20 minutes to control bleeding.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for 5–10 minutes to relieve pain and swelling.
- If bleeding persists, seek immediate dental or medical attention.
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Abscess
An abscess is an infection near the root of a tooth or between the gums and teeth. It can lead to severe health complications if untreated. Rinse with a saltwater solution multiple times a day to draw pus to the surface, and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
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Post-Extraction Bleeding and Discomfort
Some bleeding and discomfort are normal after an extraction. If bleeding continues for more than an hour, contact our office. Bite down on a gauze pad to help control the bleeding.
Recognizing Signs of Dental Issues
If you experience bleeding, sensitivity, pain, swelling, discoloration, lumps, or sores, contact us for an evaluation. Early detection can prevent more severe complications.
For emergency dental care, call (408) 842-0418 or visit our office for immediate assistance.
