Emergency Dentist in Bakersfield CA

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Emergency Dental Services

No one starts their day hoping to visit the emergency dentist following a broken tooth or injury to the mouth. In many situations, a dental emergency means a high risk of permanent tooth loss, severe gum bleeding, or severe tooth pain, that’s why having an emergency dentist you can turn to at any time is crucial. If you experience a dental emergency Dr. Iliana Hernandez, an emergency dentist in Bakersfield, CA, and the excellent dental team at Bella Risa Dental are available to provide you with same-day treatment. We have expertise in handling any dental emergency.

Urgent Dental Care at Bella Risa Dental

What Requires Emergency Dental Services?

A dental emergency involves any dental problem that needs immediate treatment to stop bleeding, alleviate severe pain and discomfort, or save a tooth. Some of the most common emergency dental services we provide at Bella Risa Dental include:

  • Cracked or chipped teeth: If you have a severe or painful tooth fracture because it’s chipped or cracked, you need to see an emergency dentist immediately. The sooner you receive treatment, the more likely it is that our dentist will be able to reattach the broken piece to your damaged tooth. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce swelling, but avoid using a painkiller or numbing gel because it can damage your gums. 
  • Teeth knocked out: Quick actions after a tooth has been knocked could potentially save your tooth. Pick your tooth by the crown and attempt to reinsert it or place it between your gum and cheek. You can also put it in a glass of milk and get to the dentist as fast as possible.
  • Extreme toothache: Tooth pain comes from various sources like cavities, tooth decay, grinding, clenching, and gum disease. Carefully floss around the affected area to remove any debris that could be lodged in the tooth. Applying ice to the outside of your jaw could decrease any swelling. 
  • Injuries affecting your gums: If you suffer an injury to your gums that results in tissue damage and bleeding, your best bet is to go to the emergency dentist. Rinse your mouth with cool water to keep the area clean, and place pressure on the wounded area with a cold compress to reduce any bleeding.
  • Lost filling or crown: This can leave the sensitive areas of your tooth vulnerable to attack from bacteria and other particles. If the pain is unbearable, contact Dr. Iliana Hernandez, who can insert a new filling promptly. You can also apply some denture glue to the tooth and slip the crown back over it. However, never use superglue to reattach the crown. If you cannot get the crown to stay securely on your tooth, store it in a plastic bag until you can get to the dentist.

What is not a Dental Emergency?

Dental issues are scary, but while some may require immediate dental care, others require a few deep breaths and patience. Sometimes problems that seem critical can actually wait for a day or so until you can see your dentist, as long as you take care of yourself. A chipped tooth, while extremely inconvenient, isn’t an emergency. As long as it doesn’t hurt, you can wait to schedule a regular appointment. A minor toothache can also wait for treatment as long as the pain is not severe, and you don’t have abscess symptoms like high fever or swelling.

How Can I Manage The Pain?

  • Over-the-counter pain reliever: While an over-the-counter pain reliever might not wholly take away the pain, it will reduce it significantly. It also will help to lessen any swelling that is present.
  • Salt and hot water: This is the most common and arguably the easiest method for relieving oral pain. This solution will draw out the fluids from the gums that are causing the irritation and help reduce the aching sensation.

Ice or cold compress: This can relieve pain as well as reduce any swelling. The ice itself should not be directly placed on the area as this can damage your skin. You should put the ice in a washcloth and hold it against the painful area. Keep the ice on the injury for 10 minutes and then remove it for a few minutes.

How to Avoid a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can cause pain, long-term damages and sometimes require expensive, invasive restorative procedures. But with preventative care, you can reduce your chances of having to visit the emergency dentist. The best way to prevent dental emergencies is to stay proactive in your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.

You should also visit Dr. Iliana Hernandez every six months for preventive care, which includes dental cleanings and examinations. We will carefully examine your mouth for signs of oral health issues during your appointment, clean your teeth, and address any problems found before they develop into an emergency. Other precautions include: 

  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. Mouthguards help shield your teeth from damages by absorbing heavy blows to the mouth.
  • Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and popcorn kernels, as these can cause cracks in your teeth.
  • Never use your teeth to cut things.

Emergency Dentist in Bakersfield CA

If you are experiencing some of the dental emergency symptoms listed above, contact our dental office immediately. At Bella Risa Dental, we provide same-day and walk-in emergency dental services to our patients to ensure they get timely treatment whenever they need it. Contact us today to schedule a dental emergency appointment!