No one wants to deal with a dental emergency. But they happen, and like any emergency, they happen when you least expect. If you’ve also never experienced a dental emergency before, it is probably an overwhelming experience.
Dr. Mark Washburn is a 24 hour dentist in Salinas available last minute for emergency dental care. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, please call us right away at (831) 758-0959.
What to Do if Faced with a Dental Emergency
If you think you’re suffering form any emergency, the first thing to do is call the dentist. Every emergency is different, and we can tell you what you need to do to reduce pain and prepare for the next steps. But there are also changes that you can make right now to help you with issue, depending on the type of problem:
Trauma to Teeth
Injuring your teeth can be especially scary, especially if a tooth feels loose or has already come out. Dr. Washburn can tell you if it’s safe to take a pain killer, like Advil, to reduce the pain, but this may not be the best choice in some cases.
Lost Tooth
Similarly, it’s possible for a tooth (or multiple teeth) to be completely knocked out. If that happens, it is sometimes possible to save the tooth. The first step is to collect the tooth. Be careful not to touch the root. Dr. Washburn may instruct you to clean the tooth using a contact solution or milk, and will tell you to keep the tooth in a cup of milk to keep it wet when you take it to the dentist. Call immediately, however, as time is of the essence.
Lost Crown or Filling
Losing a crown or losing a filling isn’t always an emergency. Most of the time it can be treated in time whenever you can schedule an appointment. However, because crowns and fillings often protect nerves, pulp, and sensitive tissue, some people experience mild to severe pain. In those cases you may need to come in for an emergency appointment.
You don’t have to keep a filling, but if you’re able to find the crown, bring it with you to the appointment.
Severe Dental Pain
Not all emergencies have to be because of some type of accident. Sometimes you may just find that your teeth or gums are in severe pain. If that happens, we want to see you. It may be an exposed nerve, or an undiagnosed cavity, or a number of other issues. Call first. Then Dr. Washburn will ask you about your pain. If you can take a pain reliever and feel better (if Dr. Washburn instructs you to) then you may not need an emergency appointment. But if you still have severe pain, you’re going to want to visit a dentist right away.
Call for an Emergency Dentist in Salinas.
Dr. Washburn has been a practicing dentist in Salinas for more than 40 years and one of the few that has emergency services available. Give us a call if you believe you have a dental emergency, and we’ll gladly let you know the next steps. (831) 758-0959.
Our office is located at 601 E. Romie Lane, Suite 5 Salinas, CA 93901