Dental pain can strike at any time—and when it does, knowing what to do makes all the difference. Whether you’ve chipped a tooth, developed a painful infection, or suffered a blow to the mouth, it’s important to act fast and get the right care.
At Spring Valley Dental Care, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be. That’s why we offer urgent care appointments for patients in Spring Valley, CA, and surrounding communities. Our compassionate team is trained to treat urgent conditions quickly, comfortably, and effectively—so you can get back to feeling like yourself again.
This Article Will Address:
- What qualifies as a dental emergency
- What to do immediately when an emergency occurs
- How emergency dentists treat urgent dental issues
- How to relieve tooth pain fast
- What happens if you ignore a broken or infected tooth
- When to visit a dentist vs. go to the ER
- Tips to prevent future dental emergencies
- What to expect during an emergency appointment at Spring Valley Dental Care
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency includes any oral health issue that causes severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or trauma—especially if it affects your ability to eat, speak, or function normally. Common emergencies include:
- Severe toothaches that don’t go away
- Knocked-out or cracked teeth
- Broken crowns or lost fillings
- Swelling or abscesses, which may indicate infection
- Uncontrolled bleeding in the mouth
- Foreign objects lodged between teeth
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are serious, give our office a call—we’ll help you determine the right next step.
What Should I Do Right Away If I Have a Dental Emergency?
While it’s important to get to a dentist quickly, there are also steps you can take at home to minimize pain and damage:
- Call Spring Valley Dental Care immediately to request an emergency appointment
- Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area
- Preserve a knocked-out tooth in a small container of milk or your own saliva—handle it by the crown, not the root
- Apply a cold compress to reduce facial swelling
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, if needed
- Avoid touching exposed nerves or damaged areas until you receive professional care
Can an Emergency Dentist Pull a Tooth?
Yes. If a tooth is too severely damaged, decayed, or infected to be saved, we may recommend extracting it to prevent the spread of infection and relieve your pain. At Spring Valley Dental Care, we’ll always evaluate every option for saving the tooth first—and if extraction is necessary, we’ll make the process as gentle and stress-free as possible.
What Can an Emergency Dentist Do for a Bad Tooth?
When you arrive at our office with a painful or damaged tooth, our team will:
- Take digital X-rays to determine the cause of the issue
- Treat infections with antibiotics if needed
- Perform root canal therapy to save the tooth when possible
- Extract the tooth only when absolutely necessary
- Place a filling, crown, or temporary restoration to protect your smile
- Stop any bleeding and relieve pain as quickly as possible
Our goal is to get you out of pain—and onto the path to long-term oral health.
How Do You Get Rid of Tooth Pain ASAP?
To relieve pain while you wait for your appointment:
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek
- Rinse with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
- Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed (avoid aspirin if bleeding is present)
- Avoid extremely hot, cold, or sugary foods and drinks
- Most importantly—don’t delay calling your dentist. Persistent pain is often a sign of infection or structural damage that needs immediate attention.
What Is the Best Care for a Tooth Infection?
A tooth infection (abscess) is a serious dental emergency. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas of your face, jaw, or bloodstream. At Spring Valley Dental Care, emergency dental treatment may include:
- Diagnosis with X-rays and an oral exam
- Antibiotics to manage the infection
- Drainage of the abscess if needed
- Root canal therapy to remove the source of infection
- Extraction, in cases where the tooth cannot be saved
- Follow-up care to prevent recurrence
Signs of infection may include swelling, pus, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth—don’t wait to get help.
What Happens If You Leave a Broken Tooth Untreated?
A broken or chipped tooth might not hurt at first—but skipping treatment can lead to serious consequences:
- Pain and sensitivity can worsen
- Infection may develop
- The tooth may become unsalvageable
- Adjacent teeth or gums may suffer damage
- Treatment becomes more complex and expensive
It’s always best to address minor damage early, while solutions are simple and affordable.
When Should I Visit the Dentist vs. Go to the ER?
Visit your emergency dentist if you have:
- Tooth pain
- Swelling in the gums or jaw
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Lost crowns or fillings
Go to the emergency room if you experience:
- Heavy oral bleeding that won’t stop
- Facial trauma or broken jaw
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Severe swelling spreading to the eye or neck
If you’re unsure, call our office. We’ll guide you to the safest and fastest option.
Emergency Dental Services at Spring Valley Dental Care
When emergencies happen, you deserve a team that’s responsive, skilled, and compassionate. Here’s what you can expect from our practice:
- Same-day emergency appointments
- Sedation options for nervous or anxious patients
- Advanced treatments, including root canals, extractions, and restorations
- State-of-the-art technology for accurate diagnosis and efficient care
- A community-driven team that treats you like family
Contact Spring Valley Dental Care for Emergency Dental Care in Spring Valley, CA
Dental emergencies don’t run on a schedule—and neither do we. If you’re in pain or facing a dental issue that can’t wait, Spring Valley Dental Care is ready to help. Located in Spring Valley, CA, we offer compassionate, efficient care when you need it most. Don’t wait—call us today to schedule your emergency dental appointment.