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Need An Emergency Dentist?

When Do I Need An Emergency Dentist?

At Selective Dental, we understand that situations come up without warning which is why we offer safe, professional, and accessible emergency dentistry. If you require emergency dental services, or would like more information, contact us today or book in online for an appointmentDr. Victoria Vuong, DDS & Dr. Henry Chang, DDS would be happy to assist! We are conveniently located at 3151 South White Road, Suite 203 San Jose, CA 95148.

When Do I Need An Emergency Dentist Near Me in Bay Area, San Jose, CA
When Do I Need An Emergency Dentist Near Me in Bay Area, San Jose, CA

Table of Contents:

Why do I need an emergency dentist?
What is the classification of a dental emergency?
What will a dentist do in an emergency?
Is visiting a dentist in an emergency expensive?

We always hope to avoid emergencies whenever possible but sometimes there’s just no getting around them. Emergency dental visits are especially common, as situations can pop up quickly and unexpectedly that affect the functionality of your mouth, jaw, and teeth. From painful infections to broken teeth, emergency dental services are there to provide the care you need when you need immediate dental care that can’t wait.

Why do I need an emergency dentist?


If you are in severe dental pain or have sustained a serious dental injury to your teeth, gums, cheeks, jaw, and/or tongue, you may require emergency dentistry. The following constitute urgent dental emergencies:

• Severe toothache.
• Dental abscess.
• Loose tooth.
• Knocked-out tooth.
• Broken tooth.
• A large piece of the tooth is missing.
• Cracked tooth.
• Lacerations to the tongue, mouth, and gums.
• Severe dental infections.
• Severe and/or radiating pain.

Facilities that offer emergency dentistry are able to facilitate last-minute appointments to ensure that you can get the dental care you need when you need it. They typically offer an emergency contact number so you can reach them if you require help outside of regular business hours.

What is the classification of a dental emergency?


A dental emergency is characterized as a situation where there is severe damage and/or pain in the tooth, mouth, or jaw area that requires immediate medical care. This includes:

• A badly cracked tooth.
• A tooth that has been knocked out.
• A tooth that has been loosened.
• A tooth that has been dislodged.
• A severe soft tissue injury.
• Broken or damaged jaw/facial bones.
• Broken or lost dental restoration(s).
• Dental abscesses.
• Severe mouth pain.
• Extreme tooth sensitivity.
• Severe swelling.
• Severe toothache.

There are certain dental situations that may require care but do not constitute a dental emergency. They include:

• A dull toothache.
• Gum tenderness and/or soreness.
• Mild tooth sensitivity.
• Small chips and/or cracks.
• Broken brackets from dental devices.
• Minor soft tissue injuries.

If you’re unsure if the symptoms warrant a visit to a dental emergency clinic, you can call your dentist or an urgent care clinic for more information. In the case of dental situations that are not urgent, you’ll be directed towards scheduling an appointment with your dentist during their regular hours of operation.

What will a dentist do in an emergency?


Unlike a regular dental appointment, emergency dentistry prioritizes quick and immediate care.

Your dentist will see you as soon as possible, assess and identify the problem, and get you set with the appropriate treatment plan to remedy and/or fix your injury/ailment as soon as possible. They may order on-site X-rays in addition to a comprehensive examination to help pinpoint where the issue is stemming from.

To help you manage the pain, your dentist may provide you with pain medication or a local anesthetic.

If you require a higher level of specialized care that cannot be provided on-site, they will refer you to a specialist for immediate treatment.

Is visiting a dentist in an emergency expensive?


Emergency dental services are typically more expensive than regular ones that take place during working business hours.

However, the exact cost will vary based on the severity of the emergency, the complexity of your case, the number of teeth involved, and whether you’re coming during or after business hours. It can also fluctuate depending on the location of the facility and the experience level of your dentist, as well as any dental coverage that you may have to help offset the costs.

If you’re in need of emergency dentistry, contact us at Selective Dental. We offer the dental services you need, when you need them, to protect your oral health. For more information about our emergency dental services, reach out to us today. Or, when you’re ready, you can also book in with us online to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from all over Santa Clara County CA: San Jose, Milpitas, Santa Clara, Campbell, Sunnyvale, Cupertino, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and beyond!