Emergency Dentistry – Albuquerque, NM

Toothaches

Is my toothache a dental emergency? Yes, a toothache in Albuquerque can be a dental emergency. Depending on the cause of your tooth pain, you may or may not need the help of a trusted dentist; however, it is always best to contact our office and let us know of your situation. Based on your description and symptoms, we can suggest whether you should come in right away or wait.

How you should handle a toothache: If there is something stuck between your teeth, rinse your mouth with warm water and use dental floss to remove it. If that is not the cause of your tooth pain, make sure to take an over-the-counter pain reliever and wait until you can see the dentist before doing anything else.

How we treat toothaches: Toothaches can arise as a result of various issues, some of which include a cavity, cracked tooth, gum disease, or a serious infection. Based on the digital X-rays we take as well as a visual examination, we will determine the type of treatment you need. It may include a tooth-colored filling, dental crown, periodontal therapy, or the removal of your tooth.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Periodontal Therapy

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Chipped Tooth

Is a chipped tooth a dental emergency? An emergency dentist in Albuquerque will need to see you within a few days when dealing with a chipped tooth. Although these are not considered dental emergencies that require same-day treatment, you shouldn’t wait longer than a day or two to seek professional help.

How you should handle a chipped tooth: Dealing with a chipped tooth at home requires covering jagged areas with dental wax or sugarless gum. Also, you should avoid chewing on that side of your mouth to keep from causing further harm. It’s best if you do not eat anything hard or crunchy, as you don’t want to increase the size of the chip.  

How we treat chipped teeth: Treatment for a chipped tooth usually comes down to either direct bonding or dental veneers. If the chip is minor and not visibly noticeable, we may be able to fix it with composite resin. If the chip is significant or appears in a visible area of your smile, we can discuss the option of placing customized dental veneers for a new and improved appearance.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Veneers

Cracked Tooth

Is a cracked tooth a dental emergency? Yes, a cracked tooth in Albuquerque is considered a dental emergency and should be seen by our team as soon as possible. The severity of the damage can lead to more serious complications that may cause you to lose your tooth.

How you should handle a cracked tooth: Until it is time for your appointment, it is best if you avoid chewing on that side of your mouth. Also, use dental wax or sugarless gum to cover any damaged or jagged areas of the tooth. This will keep your soft oral tissues safe from any potential harm. Make sure to rinse your mouth to flush out any debris, and do not chew on anything hard or crunchy.

How we treat cracked teeth: How damaged your tooth is will determine how we choose to treat it. If the crack is minor, we may be able to fix it with direct bonding. The composite resin will match your existing tooth enamel color so that it blends in seamlessly. However, if the tooth is cracked and hindering the structure’s functionality, we may need to apply a customized dental crown. If the tooth is no longer viable, we will need to perform a tooth extraction.

Learn More About Direct Bonding

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Learn More About Tooth Extractions

Very Sensitive Teeth

Are very sensitive teeth a dental emergency? Tooth sensitivity can result from several different causes; everything from decay and cavities to serious oral infections can trigger the issue. One common cause is an exposed tooth root due to enamel erosion. However, mild cases of sensitivity are generally non-urgent, but if things become severe and last for multiple consecutive days, or if it’s impacting multiple teeth, it should be handled right away. It might be a sign of cracked teeth or fillings, deep cavities, or even gum recession.

How you should handle sensitive teeth: You should call our office for first-aid tips and to schedule an appointment, ideally on the same day if your symptoms are severe. In the meantime, you can alleviate some of your discomfort by drinking lukewarm water, avoiding spicy or acidic foods, and refraining from extremely hot or cold beverages. Over-the-counter painkillers can also be taken as needed.

How we treat tooth sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity is treated based on what’s causing it, so treatment will vary from patient to patient. When enamel is weakened or eroded, we might recommend desensitizing toothpaste or prescription mouthwashes. If there’s a cavity present, it’ll need to be filled. Gum disease can also be treated in various ways, including options like scaling and root planing as well as laser therapy. And nightguards can often be applied to target bruxism (teeth grinding).

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Nightguards for Bruxism

Learn More About Gum Disease Therapy

Knocked-Out Tooth

Is a knocked-out tooth a dental emergency? Displaced teeth are an incredibly urgent scenario, and you should always jump into action quickly in order to save a knocked-out tooth. Call our office immediately; knocked-out teeth have the best chance of being salvaged if you can make it here within an hour.

How you should handle a knocked-out tooth: If you can, secure the tooth and bring it with you to your appointment. Be sure to pick it up by the crown portion—never the root—and if you can, try to place it back in its socket (just don’t force it in). If you’re unable to do this, store the tooth in a plastic container, your own saliva, or a glass of milk until your appointment.

How we treat knocked-out teeth: If the tooth is still viable and hasn’t sustained terrible damage, it might be possible to replant it, and over time, it might be able to reintegrate with your bone and soft tissue. However, if this isn’t a possibility, we’ll review your possible replacement options with you so that you aren’t without the tooth for too long.

Learn More About Dental Bridges

Learn More About Dentures

Learn More About Dental Implants

Lost Filling or Crown

Is a lost filling or crown a dental emergency? Dental restorations, as durable as they can be, usually aren’t intended to last forever. Very old fillings, crowns, or other solutions can break down or fall off completely, and while it’s not always an emergency, it’s still concerning and warrants a call to our office. There’s also the chance that the tooth in question is now extra vulnerable to damage and infection, so it’s usually best to have the restoration repaired or replaced within a few days.

How you should handle a lost filling or crown: You should do your best to locate and retrieve the lost restoration; you’ll want to bring it with you to our office. If the restoration in question is a crown or filling, you can carefully rinse it off and try to place it back on your tooth—just don’t try to use any household tools or solutions when you do this. If this doesn’t work, place the restoration in a safe container until your appointment and avoid biting down on the side of the mouth where it used to reside. You should also rinse your mouth out carefully.

How we treat lost fillings or crowns: If the restoration is relatively new and mostly undamaged, we might be able to reattach it at our office. Otherwise, we’ll review possible replacement options with you so that your smile’s health and beauty aren’t in any long-term jeopardy.

Learn More About Tooth-Colored Fillings

Learn More About Dental Crowns

Broken Denture

Is a Broken Denture a Dental Emergency?  A broken denture deserves prompt professional care because without your prosthetic, you may find it difficult to eat and smile with confidence. You should not wear a broken denture because you might harm your sensitive soft oral tissues.

How to Handle a Broken Denture : Do not try to repair the denture on your own. Instead, store it safely and bring it with you to your dental appointment. In the meantime, eat only soft foods.

How We Treat Broken Dentures : In some cases, we are able to repair broken dentures in-house. In other instances, we need to send damaged prosthetics to a laboratory for repairs. It might even be necessary for us to design an entirely new set of teeth for you. If that is true in your situation, you might take the opportunity to upgrade to implant dentures.

Learn More About Dentures 

Loose Permanent Tooth

Is a Loose Permanent Tooth a Dental Emergency?   A loose tooth is in danger of falling out altogether. Even if you are not in pain, you should seek care right away.

How You Should Handle a Loose Permanent Tooth : Avoid doing anything that could cause the tooth to become even looser. For example, you should not wiggle it with your tongue or fingers. You should also not use it to chew.

How We Treat Loose Permanent Teeth : Treatment for a loose tooth depends on what is causing the problem. We will attempt to preserve the tooth if possible. If that is not an option, we will extract it and talk to you about your future tooth replacement options.

Learn More About Dental Implants

Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue

Is an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue a Dental Emergency? Cuts in the mouth’s soft tissues can be alarming, whether they occur during sports or for other reasons. Our team may be able to help get the situation under control. 

How You Should Handle an Injury to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue : Rinse your mouth with water to clean the area. Gauze or a washcloth, applied with gentle pressure, can help to manage bleeding, while a cold compress can keep swelling down. If the bleeding is severe or has not stopped within 10 minutes, head to the local emergency room.

How We Treat Injuries to the Gums, Lips, or Tongue : We can clean the wound and stitch it closed if necessary. We can also examine your mouth for other signs of damage.

Jaw Pain

Is Jaw Pain a Dental Emergency?  Jaw pain can be the result of a number of different issues, some of which require emergency treatment.

How You Should Handle Jaw Pain : If you suspect your jaw is broken or dislocated, go to the local ER. Otherwise, give us a call and describe your symptoms. We will recommend your next steps based on what we learn about the situation

How We Treat Jaw Pain : You may need a mouthguard to address teeth grinding, TMJ therapy to relieve stress on your jaw joint, wisdom tooth removal, or other services. It all depends on what is causing your pain.

Something Stuck Between the Teeth

Food or another object stuck between your teeth can be incredibly uncomfortable. Try to dislodge the item by swishing vigorously with water. You can also use dental floss. Tie a knot in it, insert the floss between your teeth, and use the knot to try to knock the offending object out of place. If your efforts to remove the object on your own prove to be unsuccessful, give us a call.

Whatever you do, do not use a knife, tweezers, or another sharp object to try to remove the item from between your teeth. You could easily end up injuring yourself.