Written By
Dr. Kasra Tabesh
How Emergency Dentistry Can Save Your Teeth and Your Smile
When dental trouble strikes, minutes matter. Seeing an emergency dentist in Redlands right away can ease pain, protect your teeth, and prevent bigger problems. This guide explains what urgent dental visits cover, what you can do at home before your appointment, and how quick action can save your smile.
Quick Relief for Tooth Pain
Toothaches can come from many causes,decay, cracked enamel, gum infection, or a loose filling. A prompt exam helps find the source and bring relief. Your dentist may smooth a sharp edge, place a temporary filling, adjust your bite, or begin treatment for an infection.
What to do now:
- Rinse gently with warm salt water.
- Take an OTC pain reliever as directed (avoid placing aspirin directly on the tooth).
- Use a cold compress on your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time.
- Avoid very hot, cold, or sweet foods that trigger pain.
Skip topical numbing gels on children unless a dentist advises it,they can be hard to dose and may irritate soft tissues. If swelling or fever is present, call for emergency dental care the same day.
Preventing Further Damage
A small crack or lost filling can turn into a root canal,or even an extraction,if left untreated. Urgent dental visits are designed to stabilize teeth and gums so things do not worsen.
Common same-day solutions include:
- Temporary restorations: Seal a cavity or protect a fractured area.
- Bite adjustments: Ease pressure that triggers pain when chewing.
- Medication when appropriate: Antibiotics for spreading infections or anti-inflammatories for swelling.
- Protective guards or wax: Cover sharp edges that cut the tongue or cheeks.
If you are unsure whether to wait, call a dentist in Redlands and describe your symptoms. The dental team can help you decide if it is urgent and offer care tips until your appointment.
Treating Chipped or Broken Teeth
Chips and breaks range from small enamel nicks to deep fractures that expose the nerve. Early care helps protect your teeth and improve results.
Your dentist may recommend:
- Minor chips: Smooth and polish, or add a small bonding.
- Moderate fractures: Apply composite bonding or a temporary crown for protection.
- Deep fractures: Assess the nerve, root canal therapy, and a crown may be needed to save the tooth.
Bring any broken pieces in clean milk or saline. Avoid chewing on the injured side and rinse gently to keep the area clean. Even if a chip looks small, have it checked; tiny cracks can spread over time.
Handling Lost or Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out adult tooth is a true dental emergency. Quick action often determines whether a tooth can be saved or not.
Take these steps immediately:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface). Avoid touching the root.
- Rinse briefly with milk or saline if dirty, do not scrub.
- If possible, reinsert it gently into the socket and bite down on gauze.
- If you cannot reinsert, keep it moist in milk or an ADA-approved tooth preservation kit. Saline works too. Avoid plain water.
- See a dentist within 30–60 minutes.
Do not try to reinsert baby teeth; call your pediatric dentist for guidance instead.
When a Crown or Filling Falls Out
Save the crown or piece of filling if possible. You can place a bit of dental cement (available at most pharmacies) inside a crown to seat it temporarily,never use superglue. Avoid sticky foods and schedule emergency dental care to secure a long-term solution.
Managing Gum and Soft-Tissue Injuries
Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or gums can bleed heavily but are often simple to manage. Rinse gently, apply pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes, and use a cold compress. If bleeding doesn’t slow, or if the cut is deep or shows tooth damage, see a dentist or visit urgent care for evaluation.
Signs You Shouldn’t Wait
Contact a dentist near you right away if you notice:
- Swelling of the face or jaw
- Fever with dental pain
- A pimple-like bump on the gums with bad taste or drainage
- Pain after dental work that worsens instead of improving
- Trauma to the teeth or jaw
These symptoms may indicate infection or injuries that need immediate attention.
What to Expect at an Emergency Visit
Most urgent visits focus on diagnosing, relieving pain, and protecting the tooth until full treatment can be completed. You’ll get a focused exam, X-rays if necessary, and a clear plan for next steps. Many treatments, like smoothing a sharp edge, placing a temporary filling, or starting a root canal, can begin the same day. You’ll also receive at-home care instructions and a follow-up appointment.
Final Thoughts
Dental emergencies are stressful, but fast action saves teeth and reduces costs. If you have tooth pain, a chip, or a knocked-out tooth, follow the steps above and call for urgent care. Getting same-day attention helps stop infection, protects enamel, and restores comfort sooner. For clear guidance and prompt treatment in Redlands, contact Majestic Dental today. We are here when minutes matter.
Dr. Kasra Tabesh
Dr. Tabesh is a highly accomplished and respected dentist with a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field of dentistry. He received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California and completed his Doctorate in Dental Medicine abroad. He is an internationally certified Prosthodontist, and has spent many years training and gaining experience in diagnosing and treating various oral health conditions.
In addition to being a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry, Dr. Tabesh is dedicated to staying up to date with the latest advancements in the field of dentistry. He regularly participates in continuing education courses to keep himself informed of new techniques and technologies.
