What qualifies as a dental emergency?
The big indicator is pain, especially pain that keeps you up at night or wakes you up. That's one. But we'd like to prevent you from having to go through that. So if you feel instantaneous pain, but then it seems to go away and you can't replicate it, don't wait until the pain gets so bad that it keeps you up at night and ibuprofen and Tylenol no longer help. At the first sign of pain, just come in because anything regarding health, not just our teeth, is so much easier to deal with and handle when caught early. So, sooner the better.
What do I do if I lose a tooth?
Oftentimes we have accidents and a whole tooth can actually get knocked out or a piece of tooth gets knocked out. The best thing you can do is recover the tooth. If it's whole, like the tooth part and the root comes out whole, that is always a good sign. Get it and just drop it in a cup of milk. Don't try to rinse or wash it. Just drop it in a cup of milk and get to your dentist as soon as possible. If there's a piece of tooth, you can always try to recover it. But when in doubt, if you can't recover it, don't waste too much time trying to find it. Just give the dental office a call so that we can get you in right away.
Can I replace a lost tooth the same day?
Depending on what the patient would like to do, we're able to give patients immediate bridges. Meaning when they come in here and they choose to do a bridge, they will leave the office with a tooth that doesn't go in or out. If a patient chooses another type of treatment like an implant, then we will try to get you a flipper the same day, if not the next day, depending on how many teeth we need to replace.
How can I handle an emergency if it's after hours and the dental office is closed?
If you're having pain, if you have swelling in your face, please, if it's after hours, you need to call the local urgent care or an emergency hospital. Especially if your face swells up, you need to see a health care provider. Usually, they will give you antibiotics and tell you to call the dentist. As soon as you go from there, give us a call. Or if it's not that pressing, you can always leave a voicemail or text us. I always have staff on hand with our office cell phone that can respond to you as soon as they get your message.
What can I do to manage severe tooth pain until it's time for my appointment?
What you can do is get the pain medication that you usually use for a headache. If you're experiencing swelling, you can do a warm compress. Another thing you can do would be warm salt water rinses. But ultimately, the best thing you can do is as soon as any of these symptoms come on, just give us a call so that we can see you right away before it worsens. Because there's nothing like tooth pain. It can be so, so unmanageable. And then just like that, it can go to an extreme type of pain. So before it gets to that extreme pain, just give us a call so that we can handle the source of the emergency before it gets really bad.
Dr. Calvo, what is considered a dental emergency?
A dental emergency would be considered as someone that's unable to sleep because of tooth pain, swelling in the gums and in the roots. That would be considered a dental emergency, a broken tooth, a lost crown, a lost filling. These would all be considered dental emergencies. So please come and see us and give us a call. Thanks.
When do I need to see an emergency dentist versus going to an emergency room?
So the times where you need to see an emergency dentist are when you crack a tooth, you have any pain associated with the tooth, any swelling associated with the tooth, swelling or abscess on the tooth, you're unable to chew on that side because of tooth pain. Those would be instances where you would go see an emergency dentist.
Instances where you would call the emergency room or go to the ER, those would be instances where you cannot breathe, uncontrolled bleeding, infection that's really traveled pretty much to the whole entire face. Those would be considered more an emergency to go to the emergency room than you would call your local hospital.
What are common types of dental emergencies?
Common types of dental emergencies would be infection in the tooth, an abscess, a swelling, a broken tooth, a cracked tooth, a lost crown, broken filling, even pain when chewing. Those would be considered dental emergencies.
And with those emergencies, what can you do?
So with those emergencies, we could see you right away to figure out what's the cause of that discomfort or pain or cracked tooth. It could range from treating the nerve, removing the nerve to get the patient out of pain. It could be an abscessed tooth or a broken cracked tooth where we need to remove the tooth completely to get the patient out of pain if it's an unrestorable tooth. So those are some instances that we can do. If it's a broken filling, we could replace that filling right then and there. Or if it's a cracked crown or broken crown or a lost crown, we can do that crown right then and there.
When do I need an emergency dental extraction?
An emergency dental extraction would be needed if the patient is in super severe pain or swelling and discomfort. Those are the instances where we need to remove the tooth, and especially too if the tooth is non-restorable. It's pretty much gone, got to the end of its life. It's just so much damage to the tooth that it needs to come out.
Why might I need an emergency root canal?
You might need an emergency root canal when the tooth is giving you so much pain, keeping you up at night. It's a very hot tooth, meaning even when you touch it, it hurts. Swelling in the gum or an abscess in the gum can indicate an emergency root canal. It all depends. So please, if something happens, you give us a call, we'll do the proper x-rays and diagnosis so we could figure out what is the problem with this tooth.
Do you offer same-day care?
We do absolutely offer same-day care.
Can I schedule on the weekends?
You can schedule on the weekends by appointment only.
Thank you very much. I hope this answered a lot of the common questions regarding dental emergencies. I love to take care of you guys. If you have a dental emergency, please give us a call at (702) 819-0866. Hopefully, we can see you on not an emergency basis, but we prevent emergencies by checking your teeth and getting you scheduled for regular exams, checkups, and cleanings. I look forward to seeing you.
When dental emergencies strike, they often catch you off guard. While many patients think of routine checkups and cleanings, instances arise when urgent dental care is not just necessary but critical. Sunbrite Dental in Las Vegas understands the urgency of these situations and is fully equipped to provide comprehensive emergency dental services. From minor issues like a lost filling to serious conditions such as nerve damage or severe infections, our experienced team is dedicated to delivering the prompt and effective care you need.
Understanding Emergency Dental Services
At Sunbrite Dental, we recognize that dental emergencies can manifest in many forms. Our team is proficient in diagnosing and treating various types of emergencies to ensure your oral health is restored without delay. Some common dental emergencies we address include:
- Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth can occur from biting down on hard objects or night-time teeth grinding. Immediate cracked tooth treatment is essential to alleviate pain and preserve the tooth's structure. Seeking help from an emergency dentist is crucial in preventing further complications.
- Abscessed Tooth: This serious dental condition involves a painful infection that can threaten your overall health if left untreated. Symptoms may include severe pain, swelling in the gums, and fever. Our expert team provides specialized abscessed tooth care that focuses on eliminating the infection while ensuring your comfort.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Losing a tooth can be alarming, but prompt action can significantly improve the chances of successful knock-out tooth recovery. Locate the tooth, handle it by the crown (not the root), rinse it gently, and visit our urgent dental care facility immediately. Time is of the essence!
- Severe Toothache: Toothache relief may be as simple as resolving an underlying cavity or complex as managing a root infection. Whatever the case, we prioritize your comfort and effective pain management while diagnosing and treating your dental issue.
- Lost Filling: A lost filling can lead to discomfort and increased sensitivity. It's essential to address this promptly using temporary solutions until you receive permanent restorative dental services at Sunbrite Dental.
Preventative Measures for Dental Emergencies
While not all dental emergencies can be predicted, there are several proactive steps you can take to minimize their occurrence. Implementing preventive dental care practices can save you from unexpected visits to the emergency dentist:
- Routine Oral Hygiene: Brushing your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste combined with regular flossing helps maintain strong teeth and healthy gums by removing plaque and bacteria.
- Regular Dental Visits: Schedule routine checkups and cleanings at Sunbrite Dental. Our comprehensive dental care in Las Vegas allows us to catch any potential problems early, preventing more serious issues down the road.
- Sport Safety: Use a mouthguard when participating in contact sports. This simple yet effective preventive measure can help protect your teeth from injury.
24/7 Accessibility at Sunbrite Dental
When dental emergencies strike, time is of the essence, and access to urgent dental services is crucial. Sunbrite Dental is committed to providing a dental emergency hotline, ensuring you have direct access to professional assistance whenever you need it, day or night. Our team is trained to handle emergencies with care and efficiency, making your comfort and well-being our top priority.
Family-Friendly Emergency Dentistry
At Sunbrite Dental, we also provide pediatric emergency dentistry. Children can be particularly prone to dental injuries, and our friendly staff is prepared to offer compassionate and effective care tailored to young patients. Whether it’s a fallen tooth or a sudden toothache, we provide a warm and reassuring environment, heating the process for both children and parents.
Beyond Immediate Pain Relief
While it’s critical to address immediate dental problems, our team at Sunbrite Dental also focuses on the long-term health and restoration of your smile. We utilize state-of-the-art dental technology to accurately diagnose conditions and create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your situation. From restorative care for cracked and broken teeth to tooth infection treatments, our approach combines efficiency and expertise.
Community Commitment
Sunbrite Dental is more than just an emergency dental practice; we are an integral part of the Las Vegas community. Our commitment to family dental health extends to offering educational resources, regular community programs, and a welcoming atmosphere that puts patients at ease. We believe in fostering lasting relationships with our patients and educating them about the importance of preventive care to help avoid future emergencies.
Why Choose Sunbrite Dental in Las Vegas?
Choosing Sunbrite Dental for your emergency dental needs means opting for a caring, knowledgeable, and community-focused dental practice. Our experienced team, led by Dr. Ervin Calvo and Dr. Mina Abalos, brings unparalleled expertise and compassion to each patient. We understand that dental emergencies can be stressful, which is why we prioritize a comfortable environment, using advanced technology to optimize your care.
Don’t wait until an emergency strikes—connect with Sunbrite Dental today. Whether it's about potential emergency situations or general inquiries regarding your dental health, we’re here to help. Our team is just a phone call away, ready to assist you in your time of need and provide you with the urgent dental care that will keep your smile bright and healthy.
With Sunbrite Dental—the trusted emergency dentist in Las Vegas—you can always expect timely, effective, and compassionate dental care whenever you need it most. Don't hesitate; your oral health is a priority!