No matter how well you care for your smile, there may come a day when you experience a dental emergency. Not only can these be painful, but in some cases, they can also put your tooth at risk or be life-threatening. That’s why we want to share some common urgent and non-urgent dental emergencies. Knowing when to visit us right away—and when you can wait—can make a big difference in the outcome of your dental health. 

Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental emergencies, there are two types: urgent and not urgent emergencies. Urgent emergencies require immediate, same-day attention, while non-urgent emergencies can generally wait for a scheduled appointment. That doesn’t mean that non-urgent emergencies should be ignored—just that they don’t need to be seen as quickly as an urgent emergency. Here’s a closer look at each type. 

Urgent Emergencies

Urgent dental emergencies are situations that require immediate attention to prevent severe pain, infection, or long-term damage. If you’re having severe dental pain or your gums, cheeks, or tongue won’t stop bleeding, this is considered an urgent dental emergency and should be treated right away. Other dental emergencies include:

• Symptoms of an abscess, such as a fever, swelling, or pus coming from your gums
• A knocked-out or severely loose tooth
• Jaw or facial injuries
• A broken tooth
• Large chips or cracks in your tooth

With all urgent dental emergencies, it’s important to contact our office right away or go to an emergency room if it happens after business hours. Taking care of the issue quickly will not only help with the pain but also reduce the risk of permanent damage or more intensive treatments. 

Non-Urgent Emergencies

Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies often don’t require immediate attention but they still need care to avoid future complications. For example, if you experience a non-urgent emergency on Saturday evening, it’s generally OK to address it on Monday. Non-urgent emergencies include:

• A lost crown, filling, or bridge
• Mild toothaches
• Small chips or cracks in your teeth
• Food lodged between your teeth

For non-urgent emergencies, doing some simple self-care at home can usually ease your symptoms until you can make it into the office. But, it’s still important to make an appointment soon, even if the issue doesn’t seem serious. That way, we can fix the issue and prevent it from getting worse. Getting help early is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid bigger issues later.

Compassionate Care for Dental Emergencies

If you’re not sure whether your situation would be considered an urgent emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and contact our office. Dr. Buzza and our team can advise you on the best course of action, whether it’s immediate treatment or scheduling a regular appointment.

Remember, it’s essential to address dental emergencies promptly. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, have suffered dental trauma, or are dealing with a lost restoration, Dr. Buzza and our compassionate team are here to provide the urgent care you need. And if you’re nervous about your appointment, we also offer oral and IV sedation to help you feel more relaxed. 

When you’re looking for an “emergency dentist near me,” don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (707) 573-0600. Your health and comfort are our top priorities!

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