Whether in computing, communication, or dental care, technology has its limits. This is true even here in the heart of Silicon Valley, San Jose. Despite the incredible advancements over the years in preventive care, we are all still susceptible to dental emergencies. And when they strike, they’re often anxiety-inducing, if not downright scary. In those moments, knowing what to do, where to turn, and what to expect can be crucial.
Fortunately, dentist Dr. Jesse Rosete and the Alum Hills Dental team in Alum Rock are here to help! Let’s look at the symptoms of some common dental emergencies, your at-home and in-office treatment options, and how to get to our conveniently located office for the best emergency dental care in San Jose, CA!
What Is a Dental Emergency?
Not every instance of oral discomfort qualifies as a genuine emergency. That said, there are certain telltale symptoms of dental emergencies that one should never ignore:
- Sudden, persistent, and severe toothache
- Swelling, pain, and limited movement of the jawbone
- Swelling or bleeding from gums for no apparent reason
- Loose permanent (adult) teeth
- Loss of a permanent tooth, either due to impact or decay
- Broken or loose dental crowns
What Should You Do in a Dental Emergency?
In the face of a dental emergency, calm, considered, and decisive action are vital. Knowing what to do when an emergency strikes can be the difference between a full, speedy, and minimally painful recovery and lingering discomfort and long-term issues. Here are some simple steps you should take when faced with a dental emergency in Alum Rock:
- Severe toothache — Ice packs, salt water rinses, or over-the-counter painkillers usually relieve short-term toothache. If a toothache is severe, unrelenting, and unresponsive to all at-home measures, seek emergency care.
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth—Whether due to trauma or decay, tooth breakage must be dealt with immediately to preserve structural integrity and prevent bacterial penetration.
- Swelling of the jawbone—Pain and swelling in the jawbone are often signs of TMJ issues or infection, which can cause tooth loss.
- Unexplained bleeding from the gums — Similarly, bleeding from the gums for no clear reason is often a sign of infection or a dental abscess (pocket of pus around a tooth) and requires immediate treatment.
- Permanent tooth loss — Tooth loss in adults is never normal and always requires immediate emergency care. In these cases, there are measures you can take to try to save the natural tooth:
- Recover the tooth without touching the root
- Without scrubbing, rinse it off
- Replace the tooth in its socket in the jawbone or place it in a container of milk or water
- Get to a dentist ASAP!
Welcome to Alum Hills Dental in Alum Rock, San Jose!
Whether you're coming from downtown San Jose, East Foothills, or another nearby neighborhood, making your way to Alum Hills Dental is as painless as the care you’ll receive upon arrival! Our office, conveniently located at 4600 Alum Rock Ave, Suite 8, in San Jose, is minutes from several notable local landmarks:
If you’re coming to us from Downtown San Jose, take East Santa Clara St. toward South 4th St. Continue straight, merging onto CA-130 East. Continue on CA-130-E until you see the exit toward Alum Rock Avenue. Turn left onto Alum Rock Ave. and continue for about two miles, passing Toyon Elementary School, until you arrive at the plaza in which our office is located.
From East Foothills, head southwest on McKee Road toward Toyon Avenue until you reach Alum Rock Avenue. Continue for about three miles, past the Alum Rock Transit Center and the intersection with White Road, until you see the plaza in which our office is located on your left.
In-Office Treatments and Procedures for Addressing Dental Emergencies
When at-home remedies are insufficient, emergency dental care in San Jose is in order. What should you expect? Here is what you can expect from your emergency dentist in various dental emergencies:
- Severe and unrelenting toothache, whether caused by decay, infection, or injury, requires immediate care. After a diagnosis upon your arrival, an emergency dentist will address your discomfort via dental filling or emergency root canal therapy.
- If an accident leaves a tooth broken, chipped, or knocked out, your dentist will, after a diagnosis, work to restore its structural integrity, often with the placement of a dental crown or, in more severe cases, emergency tooth extraction.
- When a dental filling or crown falls out, the affected tooth becomes susceptible to decay and damage. An emergency dentist can quickly replace a lost filling or crown to protect the tooth until a long-term solution is implemented.
- In the event of an infection in the gums or soft tissues of the mouth, emergency care may involve antibiotics or other medication to manage the infection and promote proper healing.
In any dental emergency, seeking prompt care from a qualified emergency dentist is crucial for preserving oral health and preventing further complications.
4 Things to Look For In an Emergency Dentist
There are several crucial factors to consider when selecting an emergency dentist. The most significant include:
- Does the dentist have an accommodating schedule and frequent availability on short notice?
- Is the office conveniently located and accessible? (This one, you know!)
- Does the dental practice employ the latest technology to offer a comprehensive range of dental emergency treatments?
- Does the dental practice accept your insurance? If not, do they accept a convenient range of payment options?
Emergency Dentist in Alum Rock and East Foothills, CA
If you’re in San Jose and looking for a dental care team that prioritizes your comfort while providing efficient and effective emergency dental care, contact dentist Dr. Jesse Rosete and the friendly and knowledgeable Alum Hills Dental team to schedule a consultation! Our dental office is in the Alum Rock neighborhood of San Jose and is easily accessible from East Foothills.