1801 Solar Dr. Suite 290 Oxnard, CA 93030

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1801 Solar Dr. Suite 290 Oxnard, CA 93030

New & Current Patients (805) 278-8887

Schedule An Appointment

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Call

Book

Contact

Home » Dental Services » General Dentistry » Emergency Dentistry

Emergency Dentistry

Oxnard, CA

A dental emergency is a sudden and severe dental problem requiring immediate care. Getting quick, professional dental care is essential for salvaging soft tissue, dental structure, or a dental restoration. Emergency dentistry is one of the general dentistry services we provide. If you think you’re experiencing a dental emergency, we encourage you to call our office immediately for prompt attention.

emergency dental care in oxnard, california

Emergency Dentistry Services in Oxnard, CA

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to relieve pain, stop bleeding, or save a tooth. These situations often involve injuries, infections, or sudden, severe symptoms that, if left untreated, could lead to more serious complications. Understanding what qualifies as a dental emergency can help you take the right steps when faced with an urgent situation.

Severe Tooth Pain

A persistent, throbbing toothache can signal various problems, such as tooth decay, an infection, or a cracked tooth. Toothaches are often accompanied by swelling, sensitivity, or a bad taste in the mouth.

How to handle it:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce inflammation. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water for this rinse.
  • Gently floss around the affected tooth to remove food particles that could be causing discomfort.
  • To manage pain, use an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen, but avoid applying aspirin directly to the tooth or gums, as it can cause irritation.
  • Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most urgent dental emergencies. Acting quickly can increase the chances of saving the tooth.

How to handle it:

  • Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white, visible part) without touching the root.
  • If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water. Do not scrub or use soap.
  • If possible, try to reinsert the tooth into its socket. Hold it in place by biting down gently on a clean cloth or gauze.
  • If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, store it in a container of milk, saliva, or an emergency tooth preservation solution. Avoid letting the tooth dry out.
  • Call our office so that you can be seen as soon as possible.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

A chipped or broken tooth can occur from biting down on something hard, an accident, or grinding your teeth. Depending on the severity, it may expose sensitive inner layers of the tooth, leading to pain or sensitivity.

How to handle it:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area.
  • Save any broken tooth pieces and keep them in milk or saliva if possible.
  • Cover the sharp edges of the tooth with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts to your tongue or cheeks.
  • Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a filling or crown falls out, it leaves the tooth vulnerable to damage and sensitivity.

How to handle it:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
  • If possible, retrieve the crown and clean it. You can use dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily reattach it or cover the exposed tooth.
  • Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth to prevent further damage.

Dental Abscess

A dental abscess is a serious infection that can appear as a swollen, painful bump on the gums near a tooth. It’s often accompanied by fever, a bad taste in the mouth, or swollen lymph nodes. Left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body.

How to handle it:

  • Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help eliminate the infection and reduce discomfort.
  • Avoid applying heat to the area, as it can worsen the swelling.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers to manage pain.
  • Seek immediate dental care—abscesses require professional drainage and antibiotics to treat the infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use temporary products at home for dental emergencies until I’m seen?

Yes, you can find over-the-counter products like dental cement, temporary filling kits, or numbing gels at most drugstores. These can help manage pain or protect exposed areas until you see a dentist. They’re not permanent fixes, so follow up with a dental visit as soon as possible. Avoid chewing on the affected side, and keep the area clean.

What are the risks of ignoring a dental abscess or facial swelling?

Ignoring an abscess or swelling can lead to a serious infection. The infection can spread to the jaw, neck, or even into the bloodstream, which becomes a medical emergency. You might also lose the affected tooth if treatment is delayed. Prompt care is key to avoiding long-term damage or life-threatening complications.

How long can I wait to fix a chipped tooth if it doesn’t hurt?

If it’s a small chip and not causing pain, you can usually wait a few days, but it’s still important to get it checked. Sharp edges can cut your tongue or cheeks, and the damage can get worse with time. If the chip is deep or exposes dentin, bacteria can get in and cause decay. Don’t ignore it for long—earlier treatment is easier and more affordable.

Is it safe to go to work or school after receiving emergency dental treatment?

Yes, in most cases, you can return to work or school the same day, especially if you only had local anesthesia. You might feel some soreness or numbness, so take it easy. If you’ve had sedation or a more invasive procedure, we may recommend rest. Dr. Haddad will let you know what’s safe based on your treatment.

How do I know if tooth pain means I need a root canal or just a filling?

Pain that lingers, throbs, or wakes you up at night often means the nerve is involved. You might need a root canal. Sensitivity to heat, swelling, or a bump on the gum is also a sign of infection. If the pain is mild t are not a substitute for treatment like drainage or root canals. Always take them exactly as prescribed by your dentist.

Call Our Office

When you have an emergency, call our office immediately at (805) 278-8887. You must get treatment as soon as possible. For dental issues that aren’t emergencies, schedule an appointment online or call our office.

Beach Cities Dental Group

1801 Solar Dr. Suite 290
Oxnard, CA 93030

(805) 278-8887

Hours

MON – THU: 8AM – 5PM
Friday: 8AM – 12:30PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Schedule Appointment

New & Current Patients

(805) 278-8887

Address

1801 Solar Dr. Suite 290
Oxnard, CA 93030

Hours

Monday 8AM–5PM
Tuesday 8AM–5PM
Wednesday 8AM–5PM
Thursday 8AM–5PM
Friday 8AM–12:30PM
Saturday-Sunday Closed