A dental emergency refers to any sudden pain or damage to the oral cavity. When you experience one of these situations, you should call our office immediately. Leave detailed information so we can call you back and schedule a visit. However, if the problem s potentially life threatening, call 911 or visit the emergency room. In addition, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate the issue before you see Dr. Hofkes.
Dental Emergency Information
Broken Teeth: First, don’t panic! If possible, gather up any pieces of the tooth you can recover. If you notice bleeding, place a piece of gauze of the area. A cold compress may also be useful for reducing swelling. Bring the pieces of the tooth with you to the office. If you can’t, we can still offer restorative treatment.
Toothache: First, try to floss on either side of the aching tooth. If this fails to address the problem, schedule a consultation right away. You may also take an over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort until you can see Dr. Hofkes.
Objects Caught Between Teeth: As with a toothache, floss gently on each side of the tooth. Don’t use anything other than floss, as this could damage your gums.
Loose Filling or Crown: You can often hold a restoration in place with over-the-counter dental cement. That is a temporary measure until you can see Dr. Hofkes.
Lost Restoration: Avoid eating food or drinking anything other than water. You can also chew a piece of sugar-free gum and use this to cover the tooth until you see Dr. Hofkes. If you have any other questions or concerns regarding a dental emergency, please contact our office today.
About Your Cerritos Oral Surgeon:
Shawn Hofkes, DDS, is highly qualified to address complex issues, including the placement of dental implants. He can also help improve the beauty of your smile with extractions and oral surgery. To schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today by calling 562-584-4082. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.
