No matter how well you care for your smile, there may come a day when you experience a dental emergency. Not only can these be painful, but in some cases, they can also put your tooth at risk or be life-threatening. That’s why we want to share some common urgent and non-urgent dental emergencies. Knowing when to visit us right away—and when you can wait—can make a big difference in the outcome of your dental health. 

Urgent vs. Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies

When it comes to dental emergencies, there are two types: urgent and not urgent emergencies. Urgent emergencies require immediate, same-day attention, while non-urgent emergencies can generally wait for a scheduled appointment. That doesn’t mean that non-urgent emergencies should be ignored—just that they don’t need to be seen as quickly as an urgent emergency. Here’s a closer look at each type. 

Urgent Emergencies

Urgent dental emergencies are situations that require immediate attention to prevent severe pain, infection, or long-term damage. If you’re having severe dental pain or your gums, cheeks, or tongue won’t stop bleeding, this is considered an urgent dental emergency and should be treated right away. Other dental emergencies include:

• Symptoms of an abscess, such as a fever, swelling, or pus coming from your gums
• A knocked-out or severely loose tooth
• Jaw or facial injuries
• A broken tooth
• Large chips or cracks in your tooth

With all urgent dental emergencies, it’s important to contact our office right away or go to an emergency room if it happens after business hours. Taking care of the issue quickly will not only help with the pain but also reduce the risk of permanent damage or more intensive treatments. 

Non-Urgent Emergencies

Non-Urgent Dental Emergencies often don’t require immediate attention but they still need care to avoid future complications. For example, if you experience a non-urgent emergency on Saturday evening, it’s generally OK to address it on Monday. Non-urgent emergencies include:

• A lost crown, filling, or bridge
• Mild toothaches
• Small chips or cracks in your teeth
• Food lodged between your teeth

For non-urgent emergencies, doing some simple self-care at home can usually ease your symptoms until you can make it into the office. But, it’s still important to make an appointment soon, even if the issue doesn’t seem serious. That way, we can fix the issue and prevent it from getting worse. Getting help early is the best way to keep your teeth healthy and avoid bigger issues later.

Compassionate Care for Dental Emergencies

If you’re not sure whether your situation would be considered an urgent emergency, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and contact our office. Dr. Buzza and our team can advise you on the best course of action, whether it’s immediate treatment or scheduling a regular appointment.

Remember, it’s essential to address dental emergencies promptly. Whether you’re experiencing severe pain, have suffered dental trauma, or are dealing with a lost restoration, Dr. Buzza and our compassionate team are here to provide the urgent care you need. And if you’re nervous about your appointment, we also offer oral and IV sedation to help you feel more relaxed. 

When you’re looking for an “emergency dentist near me,” don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (707) 573-0600. Your health and comfort are our top priorities!

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No one ever wants to find out they need to have a cavity filled—but for some patients, it can be an anxiety-producing experience. If you feel this way, don’t worry! It’s completely natural to feel anxious about dental procedures, including cavity fillings. Many patients have some form of dental anxiety that makes them hesitant to avoid the dentist or avoid seeing one entirely. However, this can lead to worsening issues down the road.

At Dr. Buzza’s office, we understand dental anxiety and are dedicated to making your dental experience as comfortable and carefree as possible. Here’s how we can help make your cavity filling go smoothly. 

Understanding the Cavity Filling Procedure

One of the best ways to lessen your anxiety is to understand what happens during a cavity filling—that way, there are no surprises!

First, we’ll start with an initial exam and dental x-rays. This will allow us to assess your damaged tooth and detect any fractures or decay accurately. After we’ve determined the best treatment for your tooth, we’ll prepare it for a filling. We’ll numb the affected area with a local anesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain. For those with heightened anxiety, Dr. Buzza offers both oral and IV dental sedation options (more on that below!) which allows you to feel deeply relaxed throughout the procedure. 

Once the area is numb, we carefully remove any decay and clean the tooth. This ensures your tooth is free from bacteria and debris before we place the filling. Then, we apply a Mercury-free resin filling that matches the color of your teeth. The filling is shaped and hardened, and then polished. Before we send you on your way, we make sure the filling fits perfectly with your bite so that it feels natural and doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

Easing Your Anxiety with Sedation Dentistry

Although filling a cavity is pretty quick and straightforward, we know that having an understanding of the procedure may still not be enough to banish anxiety entirely. That’s why we also offer dental sedation. Whether you’d like moderate sedation to relax or would prefer to sleep away your visit, we have solutions to make your filling procedure completely stress-free. 

Oral Sedation: With oral sedation, we give you a small blue pill to take before your appointment. It will make you feel sleepy and relaxed, so you’ll need to have someone drive you to and from the office. During your visit, you’ll feel quite groggy and may fall asleep—but you’ll still be able to communicate with our dental team if needed. 

IV Sedation: Dr. Buzza is proud to be a certified leader in IV sedation dentistry in Santa Rosa. With IV sedation, you’ll receive a carefully controlled dose of sedative medication directly into your bloodstream. It works quickly and helps you sleep away your appointment—an ideal choice for those who need a deeper level of relaxation during their dental procedures. You likely won’t remember much of your visit—and as with oral sedation, you’ll need someone to drive you home. 

Dental sedation is safe and comfortable, and it has the added benefit of speeding up healing times. Once we’re finished with your filling, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and clear-headed!

Schedule an Appointment Today to See How Stress-Free Dentistry Can Be

If you’ve been postponing dental care due to anxiety or have been searching online for a “dentist for nervous patients near me,” let us help you take that step towards a healthier smile in a calm and caring environment. Schedule your appointment with us and experience dentistry where your comfort and well-being come first. Call the Buzza Dental Group today at (707) 573-0600 or request an appointment online.

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