Emergency Dental Information in Milpitas CA

Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and when they do, you need prompt, professional care. We understand that dental pain or damage can be stressful and disruptive, which is why we offer emergency dentistry services in Milpitas CA to help you when you need it the most.

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Your Smile's Emergency, Our Priority in Milpitas CA

While we always strive to be careful about our welfare and that of others, sometimes accidents do happen. Most people know what to do when someone hurts an arm or leg, but a dental emergency often renders us helpless about what to do next.

At Signature Smiles Dental Group, our team is ready to address a wide range of urgent dental concerns—from severe toothaches to broken teeth or lost fillings. We prioritize quick and effective treatment to relieve pain, restore your oral health, and get you back to your routine as quickly as possible. Emergency dentistry focuses on providing immediate care for unexpected dental issues that require urgent attention. Whether you’ve been injured or are experiencing sudden pain, our emergency dental team is here to address your needs quickly.

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Common Dental Emergencies We Treat in Milpitas CA

While a professional should always be the final stop in any dental emergency, there are a few things you can do to alleviate some of the problems before going in for treatment.

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Severe Toothaches:

Tooth pain can range from mild to severe, and it may indicate an underlying issue such as infection, tooth decay, or a damaged filling. Some common causes include:

• Deep cavities that have reached the nerve
• Abscess or infection at the tooth root
• Damaged or loose fillings
• Gum infection or recession
• Teeth grinding causing nerve irritation

What to do:

• Rinse with warm saltwater
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers
• Call us for a prompt evaluation

With toothaches, it is always important to gently clean around the affected tooth. Warm salt water is good for removing food and other foreign matter from the area. If there is pain, do not use aspirin, as this thins the blood and is not suitable for an area like a tooth or gums.

Acetaminophen, commonly found in painkillers like Tylenol, is a better alternative. Also, be sure to use a cold compress, and, if the pain persists for more than a day, schedule a dental appointment.

Treatment options:

• Tooth-colored fillings
• Root canal therapy
• Antibiotics if infection is present
• Nightguards to prevent further damage

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Knocked-Out Teeth

Losing a tooth in an accident or due to trauma requires immediate care. If you act fast, we may be able to save the tooth.

Common causes:

• Sports injuries
• Accidents or falls
• Sudden impact to the face or jaw

Immediate steps to take:

• Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root)
• Gently rinse the tooth without scrubbing
• Try to place it back in the socket or store it in milk or saliva
• Seek dental care within 30–60 minutes for the best chance of saving it

It may be possible to preserve the tooth and keep it in the mouth with quick action. Retrieve the tooth by the crown (top) and do not touch the root. Rinse it for foreign matter like dirt or dust, but don’t clean it too thoroughly and wash off actual tooth enamel. Reinsert the tooth if possible and hold it in place with cloth or gauze.

If this isn’t possible, preserve the tooth in a container of milk or water and make an emergency visit to a dentist to see if the tooth can be properly reinserted.

Our care includes:

• Attempting re-implantation
• Splinting the tooth for stability
• Planning for replacement (dental implant or bridge) if the tooth can’t be saved

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Chipped or Broken Teeth

A chipped or broken tooth is not only painful but also compromises the appearance of your smile.

What may cause it:

• Biting hard objects (ice, popcorn kernels, etc.)
• Accidents or facial trauma
• Teeth weakened by decay
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)

Symptoms to watch for:

• Sharp edges
• Sensitivity to temperature or pressure
• Pain when biting

Treatment options:

• Dental bonding for small chips
• Porcelain veneers for cosmetic improvement
• Dental crowns for major fractures
• Root canal if the pulp is exposed

What to do:

Clean out the area gently with a warm water rinse. If there’s a facial injury as well, apply a cold compress to the injured area to control pain and swelling. If any tooth fragments can be found and recovered, retrieve them, and make an emergency visit with them to a dentist.

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Lost Fillings or Crowns

A filling or crown that comes loose or falls out can leave your tooth exposed and vulnerable to decay.

Causes may include:

• Wear and tear over time
• Decay beneath the crown or filling
• Sticky or hard foods

What you should do:

• Keep the area clean
• Avoid chewing on that side
• Save the restoration if possible
• Call us for prompt re-cementation or replacement

We provide:

• Temporary restorations when needed
• New long-lasting crowns or fillings

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Abscessed Teeth

A dental abscess is a serious infection that can threaten your health if left untreated.

Symptoms include:

• Swelling of the face or jaw
• Throbbing, constant pain
• Fever and swollen lymph nodes
• Pus discharge or foul taste
• Tooth sensitivity

Urgency: This is a true emergency requiring immediate care

Treatment options:

• Drainage of the abscess
• Root canal therapy
• Extraction in severe cases
• Antibiotics to control the infection

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Gum or Soft Tissue Injuries

Soft tissue injuries are common during falls, sports, or accidents.

Symptoms:

• Bleeding or swelling
• Lacerations or cuts
• Difficulty speaking or eating

First aid tips:

• Apply pressure with clean gauze
• Use cold compresses to reduce swelling
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods

Dental care includes:

• Cleaning and suturing wounds
• Checking for tooth damage
• Prescribing antibiotics if needed

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Bleeding After Loss Of Baby Tooth

Lost a baby tooth and now it's bleeding? Get a piece of gauze, fold it, and apply it gently but firmly to the affected area. Have the child gently bite down to apply pressure for about 15 minutes, which should ensure that proper clotting and closure occurs. If this doesn’t happen, visit a dentist for emergency treatment.

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Broken Jaw

Prevent as much movement as possible by tying the jaw to the mouth with a towel, tie, or some other cloth that can keep the mouth closed and as immobile as possible. For this emergency, go to a hospital emergency ward rather than a dentist as this may require more general medical treatment.

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Don’t Wait — Call Us Right Away

If an emergency occurs, the most important thing to do is maintain calm. Panic in an emergency situation just means that nothing gets done efficiently. Acting in a calm, controlled manner will do more to solve a dental emergency than panic.

Your dental health and comfort are our top priority. Whether you're experiencing intense pain, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, we are here with same-day emergency appointments, digital imaging, and comprehensive care to get you smiling again — fast. Contact our team at Signature Smiles Dental Group for more information.