Emergency Dentistry

When a dental emergency strikes you can trust dentist Ashley Kim, DDS, and her expert team at Walnut Woods Dental in Walnut Creek, California, with your care. She’s there for you any time of day and offers same-day, emergency dentistry appointments to get you the prompt care you need to save a damaged tooth. Schedule an appointment by calling the office, booking online, or walking in today.

What is emergency dentistry?

Emergency dentistry is dental care provided when you need same-day treatment. They offer same-day appointments with after-hours availability to treat oral health problems when time is of the essence. Doing so relieves pain and can even save your tooth.

Why might I need emergency dentistry?

If you or your child has one of the following dental problems, you may require emergency dentistry services at Walnut Woods Dental:

• Loose permanent tooth
• Knocked out permanent tooth
• Severe tooth decay
• Soft tissue damage
• Tooth infection
• Severe toothache
• Tooth abscess, or pocket of pus
• Facial or gum swelling
• Tooth pain with a fever
• Tooth discoloration
• Visible hole in your tooth

Seeking immediate treatment during an emergency situation helps Dr. Kim reattach a knocked out tooth or save a severely damaged tooth before it’s too late.

What should I do during a dental emergency?

If you or someone in your family experiences a dental emergency, consider the following until you arrive at Walnut Woods Dental:

• Knocked-out tooth: keep the tooth moist in your mouth or in milk
• Cracked tooth: rinse your mouth with warm water and ice the area
• Toothache: rinse your mouth with warm water and apply ice
• Objects stuck in the mouth: try gently removing the object with floss
• Soft tissue injury: clean the area with warm water and apply ice

See Dr. Kim and her team as soon as you can after a dental emergency occurs.

What happens during my appointment?

During an emergency dentistry appointment, Dr. Kim examines your teeth and gums and takes dental X-rays if necessary. She can repair gum, lip, tongue, and cheek injuries or reattach knocked-out permanent teeth. Dr. Kim might recommend a crown, bridge, root canal, or tooth extraction, depending on the type of injury.

How can I prevent dental emergencies?

You can’t always prevent a dental emergency, but taking precautions reduces your risk. Wear a mouthguard during sports participation. Don’t chew on hard objects or use your teeth for anything other than chewing on gum or food. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth while you sleep.

See the Walnut Woods Dental team every six months for professional cleanings and exams so the team can detect dental problems before serious complications arise.

If you or someone in your family requires emergency dentistry services, contact Walnut Woods Dental by phone or online, or simply walk in today.