Trusted Emergency Dentist in Simi Valley
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone at any time and usually don't resolve on their own. In many cases, time is of the essence, so it's important to know where to go when you need emergency dental care. At the practice of Jerrold D. Guss, DMD, we offer urgent dental care whether you have severe tooth pain, broken teeth, or a lost restoration. We understand the stress that dental emergencies can cause, and our team can provide the skilled and comprehensive care you deserve to get you out of pain.
If your emergency occurs during normal business hours, we will do our best to work you into our schedule that day. We also have a reliable 24/7 answering service that sends Dr. Guss a message so we can get back to you as soon as possible to make arrangements for your care. In severe emergencies, we may invite you to our office outside of business hours to get the treatment you need. If you are looking for emergency dental care in Simi Valley, trust us to help. Call to schedule your appointment today!
CALL US: (805) 870-8994 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can come in many forms, and sometimes, it's difficult to differentiate if you need urgent dental care or if the issue is less immediate. If you are ever unsure if you are experiencing a dental emergency, we urge you to call our office so we can help you determine the best course of action. Here are some situations that may require emergency dental care:
- Severe toothache: One of the most common causes of a sudden toothache is a deep cavity that has reached the pulp. A cracked or broken tooth can also cause pain and expose the nerve-filled center of the tooth to infection. We can discover the root cause of your pain and work quickly to relieve it.
- Broken or dislodged restoration: If you lose a crown, filling, or other restoration, it compromises the remaining tooth structure and leaves your teeth vulnerable to decay and infection. Depending on your situation, we can replace your restoration or provide a new one.
- Bleeding: Cuts to the tongue, gums, and other soft tissues in the mouth can bleed profusely. Sometimes, bleeding can also accompany another dental emergency. We can determine the cause and stop the bleeding with skilled hands in a clean environment.
- Lost tooth: Dental trauma and accidents can cause dislodged or knocked-out teeth. Without treatment, you are left vulnerable to infection and further damage. With prompt care, we can potentially save the tooth by splinting it in place to allow the roots to stabilize.
What Can I Expect During an Emergency Dental Appointment?
We treat each case with compassion and use our knowledge and skills to determine how to proceed. If we determine you require urgent dental care, we will do our best to attend to it as soon as possible. If you cannot come in until the following day, we can also advise you on the next steps to preserve your oral health.
Once you arrive, our team will thoroughly evaluate your situation with a comprehensive examination. Our priorities are to relieve your pain and identify the root cause. Depending on the type of emergency, we may be able to complete treatment, such as a broken filling, on the same day. If we cannot perform treatment on the same day, we will do our best to minimize your pain and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
If I Have a Dental Emergency, What Should I Do?
Every situation is unique, and we recommend contacting our office as soon as possible if you believe you're experiencing a dental emergency. Because an emergency can strike at any time, knowing what steps to take while waiting for care is important. Here are some temporary measures you can take to reduce discomfort:
Object Caught Between Teeth: If you cannot dislodge the object with floss, do not attempt to use any other tools, or you may risk damaging your gums. We can safely remove the item for you with precision dental tools. In the meantime, avoid chewing on that side to prevent the object from getting lodged further between your teeth.
Toothache: Over-the-counter painkillers, topical gels, and cold compresses can provide temporary relief. Use painkillers and topical gels as directed and apply cold compresses externally near the affected area.
Cracked or Broken Tooth or Restoration: If there are any sharp edges, a small amount of dental wax can protect the soft tissue in the mouth. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth to prevent discomfort and further damage. You use a warm salt-water rinse to help remove bacteria from the site and reduce the chance of infection.
Dislodged Tooth or Restoration: If the tooth or restoration is intact, gently rinse it with warm water and try to fit it back into place. You can use a dental adhesive to temporarily secure a restoration. If your tooth has been completely dislodged, be careful to handle it by the crown (the normally visible part of the tooth) and not the roots. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, or it's in multiple pieces, place it in a container with saliva or milk to keep it moist until your appointment. Bring any pieces of your tooth or restoration with you to your appointment.
Bleeding: Rinse your mouth with salt water and apply gentle, constant pressure with a clean, dry cotton ball or gauze. Change the cotton ball or gauze regularly until the bleeding stops. Our dentist will check for damage to your teeth or the soft tissues of your mouth to determine if you need further care.
Reliable Emergency Dentistry in Simi Valley
If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't wait to get the care you need. At the practice of Jerrold D. Guss, DMD, we provide emergency dental care to help relieve pain and restore your oral health. Whether you have a severe toothache or a broken restoration, our skilled team can provide the relief you deserve. We offer same-day appointments so you can get back to living your life as soon as possible. If you need urgent dental care in Simi Valley, give our office a call today!
CALL US: (805) 870-8994 REQUEST APPOINTMENT