Dr. Ku laughing with a female patient at W Plus Dental

Dental Emergencies

Dental Emergencies Q & A

What are Dental Emergencies?

A dental emergency is any condition that involves your teeth, gums, or oral tissues and requires immediate care. There are a variety of causes for dental emergencies, ranging from sports injuries and car collisions to simply biting down awkwardly on a piece of hard food.

In order to fully restore your oral health and maintain the appearance of your smile, it’s important to address dental emergencies with professional treatment. A good emergency dentist like Dr. Ku is not only highly skilled in general dentistry, but is also able to perform under pressure and in high-stakes situations.

Whether you’re new to the practice or a long-time patient, Dr. Ku and his team of professionals can treat your dental emergency with high-quality services. They offer same-day and off-hours appointments for emergencies, giving you the care you need when you need it the most.

How do I know if my condition is considered an emergency?

There are a variety of symptoms that can indicate you need emergency treatment, including:

  • Intense, sudden, or constant toothache
  • Chipped, fractured, or broken tooth
  • Loose or dislodged restoration (fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures)
  • Cut, tear, or laceration on your lips, gums, tongue, or inner cheeks
  • Swelling or severe tenderness in your gums, jaw muscles, or oral tissues
  • Persistent or pronounced pain in your oral tissues

If you’re unsure if your situation requires emergency care, call the office at W Plus Dental for guidance. The friendly staff can help determine if you need to visit Dr. Ku immediately, or if your treatment can wait for a regularly scheduled appointment.

How should I handle a dental emergency?

If you’ve experienced a dental emergency, you need to see Dr. Ku as soon as possible. Depending on your emergency, getting the proper care within 30 minutes could mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. Make your way to the clinic or call the office immediately.Until you’re able to see Dr. Ku, there are a few measures you can take to minimize your pain and maximize the chances of fully restoring your oral health. First, rinse your mouth with warm water. If you’ve dislodged a restoration, try to locate the restoration, rinse it off with warm water, and bring it with you to your appointment. If you’ve fully knocked out a tooth, you can try to reinsert it into your empty socket and bite down gently, or keep it in a glass full of milk or saliva until you get to the clinic.

You can reduce swelling and inflammation by applying a cold compress or an ice pack on the outside of your mouth, and you can alleviate any pain you’re experiencing with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Don’t delay your emergency treatment. Visit W Plus Dental immediately or book an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool.