San Antonio Emergency Dentistry
We’re Always Ready to Help
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we know dental emergencies can be overwhelming, and we’re here to support you. Your oral health is our top priority, so our San Antonio office offers prompt and effective emergency dental care when you need it most.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, and knowing how to act quickly can make all the difference in protecting your oral health.
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care to relieve pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. These emergencies can happen suddenly and include issues like:
- Severe toothaches
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Injuries to the gums, lips, or mouth
- Abscesses or infections
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we’re here to provide the urgent care you need to restore your smile and peace of mind
How to Handle a Dental Emergency
We’re here to provide the urgent care you need to restore your smile and peace of mind. Knowing how to act during a dental emergency can make a big difference in protecting your smile and avoiding complications. Follow these three essential steps:
1. Call our emergency dental team: If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, contact one of our San Antonio offices immediately. Dr. Oefinger will provide guidance and arrange an urgent appointment.
2. Manage pain and swelling: Use a cold compress on the affected area to reduce swelling, and take over-the-counter pain relief to ease discomfort.
3. Control bleeding: If there’s bleeding, rinse your mouth gently with warm water and apply light pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze until the bleeding stops.
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we’re here to help you through your dental emergency and get your smile back on track.
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Dental emergencies can strike when you least expect them, and knowing how to act quickly can make all the difference in protecting your oral health.
A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate care to relieve pain, prevent further damage, or save a tooth. These emergencies can happen suddenly and include issues like:
- Severe toothaches
- Knocked-out teeth
- Cracked or broken teeth
- Lost fillings or crowns
- Injuries to the gums, lips, or mouth
- Abscesses or infections
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we’re here to provide the urgent care you need to restore your smile and peace of mind
Most Common Types of Dental Emergencies
When it comes to your smile, it’s essential to be prepared for anything! Here are some tips for handling the most common emergencies we see at Oefinger Dental & Associates:
Knocked-Out Tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, act quickly. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it with water—don't scrub or remove any tissue fragments.
Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket if possible. If not, place it in a container of milk or saliva and get to our office immediately. Acting within the first hour offers the best chance of saving the tooth.
Toothache
A severe toothache can be caused by tooth decay, gum infection, or a dental abscess. If you're experiencing persistent pain, contact Dr. Oefinger for urgent care.
While you wait for your appointment, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater, gently floss to remove trapped debris, and take over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
Broken or Fractured Tooth
For a broken or fractured tooth, call our office immediately. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area, and use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
If you have broken fragments, store them in a container with milk or saliva and bring them to your appointment. Dr. Oefinger will evaluate the damage and recommend treatment options, such as bonding, crowns, or root canal therapy, depending on the severity.
Lost Filling or Crown
A lost filling or crown can leave your tooth vulnerable to sensitivity and further damage. Contact our office right away to schedule an appointment.
In the meantime, dental cement or temporary filling material from a drugstore can be used to cover and protect the exposed area. Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth until your treatment is complete.
Emergency Dental Care You Can Trust
When a dental emergency strikes, you need a dependable team to help. At Oefinger Dental & Associates, we provide compassionate, prompt care to relieve discomfort and restore oral health.
Here's why you can trust us with your dental emergency:
- Experienced team: Dr. Oefinger and our skilled staff handle a variety of dental emergencies using the latest techniques and technologies.
- Advanced facilities: We use state-of-the-art tools to quickly and accurately diagnose and treat your emergency.
- Compassionate care: We understand how stressful emergencies can be and work to create a calm, supportive environment.
- Emergency appointments: We prioritize urgent cases, offering same-day or next-day appointments whenever possible.
- Comprehensive solutions: From extractions to restorations, we provide tailored treatment options to restore your smile.
At Oefinger Dental & Associates, you can count on us to be there when you need us most.