Emergency Dentist in Sonora, CA
Unfortunately, you can’t plan for dental emergencies. When an emergency strikes, you’re often caught unaware and wondering where to turn. Thankfully, Sonora Dentist in Sonora, CA, is always ready to handle dental emergencies, so you don’t have to! Dr. Paul Berger has been treating patients like you for over 36 years, and dedicates his time and efforts to keeping your smile happy and healthy. As an emergency dentist, he prioritizes your comfort and well-being above all else. For any dental emergency, reach out to Sonora Dentist as soon as possible so we can treat your smile!
Signs You’re Having a Dental Emergency
Often, patients aren’t sure if what they’re experiencing is a dental emergency. At Dr. Berger’s office, we classify any dental issue that causes you immense pain or threatens your oral health as a dental emergency. If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, please contact us right away!
Persistent tooth pain- Sudden sensitivity to temperature
- Knocked out/loose adult teeth
- Swollen gums or jaw
- Broken/lost dental restoration
Persistent tooth painIf you’re unsure whether your problem qualifies as a dental emergency, give Sonora Dentist a call! By understanding your symptoms, Dr. Berger will be better able to determine if urgent dental care is necessary for your smile.
Additionally, we always try to treat true dental emergencies as soon as possible. Often, even if we can’t see you that day for treatment, Dr. Berger can provide you with medicine to help manage the pain.
What an Emergency Dentist Can Do for You
As an emergency dentist, Dr. Berger is well-equipped to handle a wide range of dental emergencies. After performing a dental exam and discussing your symptoms with you, he will help diagnose your issue and determine the best treatment for your smile! These treatments include:
Extraction and Replacement
While we always strive to save your natural teeth, sometimes it becomes impossible to treat them. For severe cases of decay or disease, infected teeth pose a risk to your oral health and may require extraction.
However, we always recommend replacing these missing teeth, preferably with dental implants.
Natural teeth have roots that embed in your jawbone to keep your smile secure. Additionally, these roots provide essential stimulation when you chew or bite, helping your jaw maintain its shape and density. When a tooth is extracted, you lose this vital stimulation!
Fortunately, dental implants replace missing teeth, root and all! By securing these titanium implants into your jawbone, you can secure an artificial restoration while keeping your jaw healthy and happy.
Root Canal Treatment
Often, persistent tooth pain is caused by an infection of the pulp in your tooth, made of connective tissues, blood vessels, and nerves. When decay erodes the protective layer of enamel, bacteria enter your tooth and infect the pulp inside! This pulp is incredibly sensitive, causing extensive pain.
If left untreated, your tooth may require extraction. However, prompt treatment can save your tooth, allowing us to keep your natural tooth’s structure and prevent the spread of infection.
At your emergency dentist appointment, Dr. Berger will determine if your tooth requires root canal treatment. This treatment involves removing the infectious pulp from your root canals and flushing out any remaining debris. Then, he’ll cover the decayed portion of the tooth to protect it from further infection and place a dental crown on top to maintain the function and aesthetic of your smile.
Though they have a bad reputation, root canals actually cause more pain relief than pain, allowing you to smile comfortably again!
Gum Disease Treatment
Gum disease occurs in stages, each with its own treatment process and level of severity. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize they’re suffering from gum disease, as most of the pain occurs in the later stages.
First, there is gingivitis. At this stage, you may experience some redness or swelling in your gums, and you may occasionally bleed while brushing your teeth. Fortunately, gingivitis and its effects are reversible, but only with proper oral hygiene and routine dental visits.
The next stage is periodontitis, which has more permanent effects. As bacteria spread, they begin to move below your gums, affecting your tooth roots and jawbone. Eventually, the roots of your tooth may be exposed, and your gums will form deep pockets that hold bacteria. Unfortunately, periodontitis is non-reversible, meaning any bone or tissue loss that occurs is irreversible. While we will help you manage your symptoms with treatments like laser dentistry and scaling and root planing, the damage from periodontitis is permanent.
Advanced periodontitis is the most severe stage, involving intense pain and extensive bone loss. Your gums will have receded away from the infection, exposing your roots and risking the security of your teeth. Without immediate intervention, you will begin to lose your teeth, either naturally or with extraction. At this point, we will help you manage your symptoms as much as possible, but the damage cannot be undone.
Fortunately, Sonora Dentist offers emergency dentist visits that allow you to stop the spread of infection at the first sign of danger!
Trust an Emergency Dentist like Dr. Berger With Your Smile
If you believe you may be experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate! Fast action and urgent dental care are your key to pain relief. With emergency services such as extractions, root canals, and gum disease treatment, Dr. Berger can help keep your smile happy and healthy.
For an emergency dentist appointment, contact Sonora Dentist in Sonora, California!
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are bleeding uncontrollably from your mouth or experiencing a serious injury like a broken jaw, you should go to the emergency room right away. However, the ER is often not equipped to handle other dental issues. While the ER can provide pain relief if we can’t see you right away, it’s generally better to receive treatment from a dental professional for dental emergencies.
At Sonora Dentist, we are well-equipped with an experienced staff and innovative technology specifically designed to handle your smile.
Most dental emergencies we treat at Sonora Dentist are related to severe tooth pain.
Whether from decay or trauma, intense tooth pain requires prompt treatment to keep you comfortable! We offer innovative treatments, such as root canals and dental extractions, to provide immediate pain relief.
Knocked-out teeth require a specific plan of action to be restored. After your tooth is knocked out, follow these important steps.
- Carefully pick up the tooth by the crown, avoiding the tooth root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it off with water. However, avoid scrubbing the tooth or using soap to clean it!
- Gently try to place the tooth back in its socket, biting down carefully to keep it in place. If you can’t get the tooth to stay in, hold it in the side of your mouth or keep it in a container of milk.
- Visit the emergency dentist as soon as possible! If you reach us within 30 minutes and follow all of the proper steps, we can likely reattach your tooth with no problem.