Dentist Woodbridge Irvine

Emergency Dentistry

Timely Care for Your Health and Aesthetics

When a dental emergency strikes, every minute counts. Whether you’re experiencing intense pain, a knocked-out tooth, or unexpected swelling, Lifted Dentistry is here to provide fast, compassionate, and expert care when you need it most. Our dedicated team is trained to handle a wide range of urgent dental issues with skill and efficiency. Your comfort and health are our top priorities.

What is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any oral health issue that requires immediate attention to stop bleeding, relieve severe pain, or save a tooth. If you’re unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it’s better to be safe and contact our office. 

Some of the most common dental emergencies we treat include:

  • Soft tissue injuries (tongue, cheeks, gums)
  • Severe toothaches
  • Broken, cracked or chipped teeth
  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Lost or loose dental fillings or crowns 
  • Gum or facial swelling
  • Abscesses or infections

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

If you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Start by taking a few deep breaths to stay composed, then contact Lifted Dentistry right away. Our team reserves time in our schedule for emergencies and can often see patients the same day.

Here are instructions for how to treat common dental emergencies:

  • Knocked-out Tooth: Place it in Jo milk or saliva to keep it moist until your visit. 
  • Broken Tooth: Bring the piece with you; it may be possible to restore it. 
  • Loose Crowns or Bridges: Bring the restoration in; sometimes re-cementing is the best option.

Taking quick action can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

The Importance of Acting Quickly

When it comes to dental emergencies, time truly matters. The sooner you seek care, the higher the chance of saving your tooth, controlling infection, and minimizing long-term damage. For example:

  • Knocked-out teeth have the best chance of being saved if re-implanted within 30-60 minutes.
  • Severe infections can spread quickly to the jaw or bloodstream if left untreated, leading to serious health complications.
  • Cracked or broken teeth may worsen rapidly, making them harder to repair the longer treatment is delayed. 

By contacting Lifted Dentistry right away, you’re not just addressing the pain, you’re protecting your long-term oral health and avoiding more costly, invasive treatments in the future. Acting fast can make all the difference between a simple fix and a major dental procedure.

Recognizing a Dental Emergency

Many patients hesitate to call because they aren’t sure if their issue “counts” as an emergency. Here’s a simple rule: If it hurts, bleeds, or interrupts your daily life, it’s an emergency. 

Call us right away if you notice:

  • Sharp, sudden, or persistent tooth pain
  • A broken, chipped, or fractured tooth
  • A tooth that has been knocked out or loosened
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop within 10 minutes
  • Facial swelling or a visible abscess
  • Painful or swollen gums
  • Lost crowns, fillings, or dental appliances

Tooth Pain: When to Act Fast

Tooth pain is often the body’s way of signaling a deeper issue, such as:

  • Tooth decay reaching the nerve
  • Cracked teeth or fractures
  • Infection or abscess
  • Gum disease
  • Impacted wisdom teeth

Never ignore dental pain! Even when the pain comes and goes, it is usually a sign of a problem that could worsen without prompt treatment. The earlier we treat the issue, the more we can save your natural tooth and avoid more costly procedures.

Solutions From Our Team

Depending on the nature of your emergency, our team may recommend one of the following treatments:

  • Tooth-colored fillings for cavities or small fractures
  • Dental crowns to restore broken or decayed teeth
  • Root canal therapy to eliminate infection and save a tooth
  • Tooth extractions if a tooth is too damaged to repair
  • Reattachment or replacement of knocked-out teeth
  • Antibiotics or other medications to control infection and pain

What to Expect During Your Emergency Visit

When you arrive at Lifted Dentistry for emergency care, our team will act quickly to relieve your pain and determine the cause of the issue using advanced digital imaging. If possible, we’ll provide same-day treatment to address the immediate problem and begin restoring your oral health. If the situation requires ongoing care, we’ll work with you to create a personalized long-term treatment plan. 

Throughout your visit, your comfort remains our top priority. We offer numbing, sedation options, and a calming environment to help you feel at ease every step of the way.

Why Choose Us for Your Dental Emergency Needs

When you choose Lifted Dentistry, you’re choosing more than just a dentist; you’re choosing peace of mind. Our office offers:

  • Same-day emergency appointments whenever possible.
  • Advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and faster treatment.
  • Compassionate, gentle care to ease your anxiety.
  • Flexible treatment options so you can receive care that fits your needs and budget.
  • A long-term focus on restoring and protecting your oral health. 

We know emergencies are stressful so our team works hard to provide not only immediate relief but also a calm and caring environment.

Emergency Dentistry and Preventive Wellness

While some emergencies are truly accidents that cannot be prevented, many are the result of untreated dental issues that worsen over time. Preventive care makes emergencies far less likely. By keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings, we can often identify problems before they cause pain. Preventive care helps you:

  • Catch issues early before pain starts. Small cavities or cracks can be treated quickly when discovered early.
  • Protect your teeth from decay and fractures. Routine cleanings and fluoride treatments strengthen enamel and reduce risks. 
  • Avoid high costs and invasive procedures later. Early treatment is often simpler, less time-consuming, and more affordable.
  • Gain peace of mind knowing your smile is healthy. Regular visits allow you to feel confident that your oral health is being protected.

Avoiding Dental Emergencies 

While not all emergencies are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

  • Don’t ignore dental pain; it often gets worse over time.
  • Maintain regular dental checkups and cleanings.
  • Use a mouthguard during sports or physical activity.
  • Avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pens, or popcorn kernels.
  • Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?
  • What can I do for tooth pain until my appointment?
  • How do I know if my dental issue is an emergency?
  • What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?
  • Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
  • What if I have a cracked tooth but no pain?

Can I go to the ER for a dental emergency?

Most emergency rooms are not equipped to handle dental procedures. They may prescribe pain medication or antibiotics, but they won’t be able to fix the underlying issue. Call us first, we offer same-day emergency dental care in most cases.

What can I do for tooth pain until my appointment?

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water, take over-the-counter pain relievers (avoid aspirin for bleeding issues), and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek. Avoid chewing on the affected side until you’re seen.

How do I know if my dental issue is an emergency?

If you’re in pain, bleeding, have swelling, or have lost a tooth or restoration, it’s best to call us. Even if it seems minor, it’s safer to get a professional opinion quickly.

What should I do if my child has a dental emergency?

If your child experiences a dental emergency, call us right away. For a knocked-out tooth, place it in milk or saliva and bring it with you. For bleeding, apply gentle pressure with clean gauze. Children are more prone to dental injuries during sports and play, so using a mouthguard can help prevent future emergencies.

Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?

No. A dental abscess is a sign of infection and requires professional treatment. While pain may temporarily subside, the infection can spread and become dangerous if left untreated. Seeking care quickly is essential to protect both your oral and overall health.

What if I have a cracked tooth but no pain?

Even if a cracked tooth isn’t painful, it can worsen with time and lead to severe damage or infection. It’s always best to schedule an appointment as soon as possible so we can evaluate and protect the tooth before the problem escalates.

Don’t Wait! Call Us Now for Emergency Dental Care

If you’re in pain or something doesn’t feel right, don’t wait. Contact Lifted Dentistry to schedule your emergency appointment. We’re proud to serve patients with fast, high-quality emergency dentistry.

Visit Our Irvine Dental Office