Emergency Dentistry

At Lake Merced Dentistry, we understand that dental emergencies can be unexpected and overwhelming. That’s why we offer emergency dentistry services in Daly City designed to alleviate pain and help restore dental health as quickly as possible. Our team of experienced dentists, Dr. Jiahua Zhu, Dr. Behdad Javdan, and Dr. Semi Lim, are here to provide you with the best care when a dental emergency arises.

what is emergency dentistry

Emergency dentistry is a form of dental care that provides prompt, expert treatment for traumatized or infected teeth, gingiva, and surrounding soft tissues. Emergency dentists like Dr. Zhu, Dr. Javdan, and Dr. Lim are highly trained in providing immediate relief to patients with these types of urgent dental needs. Depending on the severity of the condition, they may provide a range of services, from diagnosing the issue to performing surgery. Our dentists are also knowledgeable in administering pain medication during and after the procedure to ensure maximum comfort during treatment.

What is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Dental emergencies may arise from sudden, severe pain, infection, or mouth, jaw, gums, and teeth injury. To determine whether your issue constitutes a dental emergency, you should consider the amount of pain you are experiencing and if there is any swelling in your mouth. Additionally, you should assess if there has been any damage to your gums or teeth and how extensive it is. It is important to note that some dental issues, such as cavities, can become more severe complications if left untreated, so seeking treatment promptly is recommended. If you are unsure if the issue is an emergency, it is always best to contact Lake Merced Dentistry for further advice and instruction on how best to proceed with treatment.

Common Dental Emergencies

Toothache: A toothache can be an emergency if it’s severe, long-lasting, and difficult to bear. It’s essential to seek medical attention if the pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Your dentist will be able to identify the cause of the toothache and advise you on the best course of treatment. Pain relief medications can help, but it’s important to get to the root of the problem.

Lost Filling or Crown: If you experience a lost filling or crown, it is vital to seek emergency dental care immediately. A lost filling or crown can cause tooth sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of infection if not treated promptly. In most cases, your dentist can quickly replace the lost filling or crown, restoring your tooth and relieving pain or discomfort.

Broken or Chipped Tooth: If you have a chipped or broken tooth, it is vital to seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. You can reduce the severity of the damage by using a cold compress and an over-the-counter pain reliever. In some cases, your dentist may be able to repair the tooth with a dental filling or porcelain crown. If the damage is too severe, the tooth may need to be extracted. Regardless of the outcome, it is crucial to take action and seek professional dental care as soon as possible.

Knocked-Out Tooth: If you have a knocked-out tooth due to an emergency, it is essential to act quickly. First, try to locate the tooth and rinse it off with warm water. Then, place the tooth back into the socket and hold it there until you arrive at our office. If this is impossible, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva and seek help immediately. Time is of the essence, as we can save a knocked-out tooth if treated quickly.

Abscess: An abscessed tooth is a severe dental emergency and requires immediate medical attention. It is caused by a bacterial infection that has spread to the root of a tooth and can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, an abscessed tooth can cause further damage to the surrounding teeth, tissue, and even the jawbone. Treatment usually involves draining the abscess, antibiotics, and possibly a root canal.

What to Expect at My Emergency Dental Appointment

When you come in for an emergency appointment at Lake Merced Dentistry, our team will start by taking a complete examination of your mouth to assess the severity of your situation and determine the best course of treatment. Depending on your individual needs and situation, this could include treatments such as root canal therapy (RCT) or extractions, temporary restorations such as crowns or fillings, or other forms of therapy, which we can discuss during your visit.

Waiting is not ideal for a severe dental emergency, and we try to schedule same-day appointments for patients with urgent needs whenever possible. We understand how important comfort is during any procedure, so our office offers sedation options such as laughing gas so that you can remain relaxed during your treatment while achieving optimal results in less time than traditional appointments would require.