A dental emergency in Millbrae is an unexpected condition that requires immediate treatment. Some of the most common dental emergencies include toothaches, chipped or cracked teeth, a bitten tongue or lip, knocked-out teeth, and abscesses. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, it is important to call your dentist right away. 

Preventing Dental Emergencies InMillbrae

It is critical to practice good oral hygiene in order to prevent dental emergencies. It is also important to visit the dentist regularly for routine cleanings and examinations, as well as restorative treatments when appropriate. Good oral hygiene habits include brushing and flossing daily, avoiding tobacco use, and getting regular checkups. These practices can help patients avoid many common causes of emergencies, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.

Tooth decay is one of the most common reasons for emergency dental visits. Cavities are often caused by poor dental hygiene habits and a lack of proper dental care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 42 percent of adults ages 20 to 64 have untreated cavities. This is unfortunate because untreated tooth decay can lead to a range of painful symptoms, including tooth sensitivity and pain while chewing, toothaches, sore gums, and persistent bad breath. In some cases, the decay may reach into the nerve of the tooth, causing severe sensitivity to both cold and hot temperatures or more severe pain for an extended period of time before a patient is able to seek treatment. Seeking treatment for decayed teeth as soon as possible can prevent the need for root canal therapy or tooth extraction.

Gum disease is another hallmark of poor dental hygiene. When a patient has gum disease, tartar and plaque buildup leads to irritation and inflammation of the gum tissues. This inflammation causes symptoms such as bleeding gums, gum recession, pocketing between teeth, and discomfort during chewing. If left untreated, the infection can spread to the bone around the roots of the teeth. When the bone becomes infected, a patient can experience loose teeth that may even fall out completely. The advanced stages of gum disease may also cause tooth loss. Regular visits to the dentist can help prevent and treat gum disease. Patients should also practice good oral hygiene at home by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.

Wearing a mouth guard while playing sports can also help protect your teeth from injury. And avoiding chewing on ice and hard candy can also help prevent chipping a tooth or other damage from occurring. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to your dentist can also help detect potential concerns before they become serious medical issues.

What To Do In The Event of A Dental Emergency In Millbrae? 

In the event of a dental emergency in Millbrae, contact your dentist immediately. A dentist is trained to handle a range of situations involving your teeth and gums. If you're experiencing a toothache or pain, this may be due to any number of issues. Your dentist can examine your mouth and teeth to determine the underlying cause and then provide treatment to relieve your pain and treat the issue. This can involve administering an anesthetic to the affected area. When possible, it's best to save any broken pieces of tooth and bring them with you to the dentist's office. This allows your dental care provider in Millbrae to reinsert it back if possible. In the event of a dental emergency, we will diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan that meets your needs.

In the event of a dental emergency, call Dr. Dizik's office at the earliest. At Diana Dizik, D.D.S., General & Cosmetic Dentistry, you can find solutions to all your dental problems. Call (650) 348-5424 to book an appointment, or visit us at 720 N El Camino Real, San Mateo, CA 94401.