What’s Considered a Dental Emergency (And When to Get Help)

What’s Considered a Dental Emergency
(And When to Get Help)

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 crownfilling, 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!

Are You Nervous About Getting a Cavity Filled? Here’s How We Can Help!

Are You Nervous About Getting a Cavity Filled? Here’s How We Can Help!

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

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.

Being Proactive with Your Oral Health: The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

Being Proactive with Your Oral Health:
The Importance of Preventive Dentistry

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT 

For many people, the idea of visiting the dentist causes stress and anxiety; for others, dentist visits may just feel like a chore. There are many reasons why patients put off dental care, from busy schedules and concerns over costs to fear of pain or a lack of control. However, it’s important to understand that preventive care can actually save time, money, and pain in the long run. 

What is Preventive Dentistry?

Preventive dentistry is a proactive approach to oral health care that focuses on preventing dental issues (like tooth decay and gum disease) and catching developing they’re minor and easier to treat. The ultimate goal is to minimize the need for more extensive dental work and to help you have a life-long healthy smile.

You might not realize it, but every time you brush and floss, you’re engaging in preventive dentistry! Practicing good oral hygiene at home is fundamental for preventing plaque buildup, cavities, and other oral health concerns, but it’s just one facet of preventive dentistry. 

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, it’s important to schedule regular dental exams, x-rays, and professional cleanings. These routine visits allow us to examine and clean your teeth and gums more thoroughly than what you’re able to do at home. We also give you tips on proper brushing and flossing techniques, foods and beverages you may want to avoid, and other helpful things that will help keep your smile looking and feeling its best. 

Why It’s Better to Be Proactive

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Prevention is better than the cure?” This definitely holds true in dentistry! Preventive dental care not only reduces the risk of cavities and other oral health issues but also lowers the chances of associated medical conditions, like heart disease, kidney disease, and even some cancers. 

For example, let’s say you have a small cavity starting to develop. During your regular dental checkup, your dentist spots it and promptly takes action by placing a filling. The filling effectively stops the decay and prevents further damage to that area of the tooth. 

If you rarely visit the dentist or only make appointments when you have a serious issue, like tooth pain, that small cavity, left unchecked, will become larger over time. Eventually, it may progress to the point where you have a severely decayed tooth that can only be addressed with root canal treatment or an extraction.

The key takeaway here is that preventive dentistry helps you prevent the very things that cause many people to avoid the dentist in the first place!

Preventive care is more economical and less time-consuming than restorative procedures like crowns or dental implants. Dental anxiety is often related to a fear of pain, but modern dentistry prioritizes comfort. Oral health issues like severe tooth decay, infections, and gum disease can cause significant pain; preventive dentistry significantly lowers the risk of developing these issues and experiencing pain in the future. 

Believe it or not, preventive dentistry can also help with anxiety, too! Regular visits to the dentist can help you build trust and rapport with your dentist. Even if you’ve had bad experiences in the past, finding a dentist you feel comfortable with can go a long way in helping you overcome fear and anxiety. Dental sedation(a.k.a sleep dentistry) can also be a great option for helping you feel relaxed and anxiety-free during your visit. 

Of course, our smiles also play a role in our confidence and self-image. Oral health issues like bad breath or discolored teeth can make it hard to feel comfortable in social settings. Preventive dentistry can help you prevent these issues from happening before they start. 

Buzza Dental Group: Your Path to a Healthier Smile

At Buzza Dental Group, we know that visiting the dentist isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, but we’re committed to changing your perception of dentistry. Our goal is to create a compassionate, positive, and stress-free environment where you feel like a valued member of our family. We’re all about honesty, empathy, and, if you need it, second opinions–because your well-being is our top priority!

So if you’ve been postponing your dental care, now is the perfect time to take a proactive step towards a healthier smile and a brighter future. Reach out to us today at (707) 573-0600 or request an appointment online. We look forward to meeting you!

Understanding IV Sedation: Your Path to a Stress-Free Dental Experience

At Buzza Dental Group, we understand that the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair (or even scheduling a dental appointment) might not be your idea of fun. In fact, for some, it can be downright nerve-wracking. 

It’s very common to have some level of anxiety about visiting the dentist; research suggests more than half of Americans do. However, there are some folks whose dental anxiety causes them to postpone or forgo their dental care entirely. 

That’s exactly why we want to chat with you about IV sedation—a game-changer for anyone who finds dental visits more than a little daunting. IV dental sedation offers a safe, comfortable solution for fear and anxiety that allows patients to get the care they need. 

IV Sedation: A Gentle Journey to Relaxation

IV sedation (also called “sleep dentistry”) is a straightforward process where we introduce a sedative directly into your bloodstream. The sedative takes effect quickly and puts you into a very relaxed state. You may fall asleep, but you’ll still be conscious and able to respond to any of our questions or instructions.

Dental sedation does wonders beyond just easing anxiety; it also plays a significant role in the recovery process. When anxiety kicks in, your body tenses up and shifts into a “fight or flight” mode. This heightened state of alertness can actually slow down the healing process because your body is focused on responding to stress rather than repairing itself. By using dental sedation to achieve a state of calm, your body avoids this stress response and can fully relax. Not only does relaxation make your dental procedures more comfortable, but it also sets the stage for a quicker, smoother recovery.

An added benefit is that once the sedation wears off, your memory of the procedure will be fuzzy or nonexistent. And don’t worry, your safety and comfort are our top priorities. We’ll be keeping a close eye on you and monitoring you throughout the entire process. IV sedation can be used for any procedure that has you feeling nervous, from routine cleanings to implant surgery

I love that he was warm and welcoming

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
Today I had my consultation with Dr. Buzza along with x-rays and our plan for the work to be done. From my first phone call to his office to my visit today they made me feel calm and at ease. Which is something I am not ever in a dentist’s office. I have opted for sedation dentistry for numerous reasons. I love that he was warm and welcoming and explained what he saw in terms I understood and what a good plan of action is for what is going on. I did not feel judged or like a freak because of my phobias. Although I am not totally looking forward to what’s coming, I know I will be in good hands and can get most of the work I need done all in one visit while sleeping. I appreciate how very kind, caring and concerned for my well being he and his staff are.
Marcia Caskey
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

It’s important to know that you may feel drowsy for hours after your treatment, so you’ll need someone to drive you home. You’ll need to take it easy when you get home and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours. After that, it’s back to life as normal! 

The beauty of IV sedation lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It works quickly to melt away your anxiety and fear as if they were never there. And because you’re likely to forget the procedure details, it makes future visits a breeze. At Buzza Dental Group, we’re all about making your dental experience as pleasant as possible, and IV sedation is a great way to do that!

Is IV Sedation Right for You?

IV sedation can be the perfect option for a wide range of patients, including those who:

  • Have dental anxiety or phobias
  • Have had bad or traumatic dental visits in the past
  • Have a strong gag reflex or sensory issues
  • Have difficulty sitting still during dental procedures
  • Need a long procedure or multiple procedures, like dental implant surgery or multiple restorations

The Advantages of IV Sedation vs. Other Types of Sedation

Beyond reducing anxiety, IV sedation offers some advantages over other types of dental sedation:

  • Deep Relaxation: IV sedation takes you to a deeper state of calm than you’d get with just oral sedatives or nitrous oxide (laughing gas). 
  • Speedy Comfort: Thanks to the direct route into your bloodstream, the sedation kicks in almost instantly. We’re talking seconds, not minutes, to start feeling relaxed.
  • Swift Bounce Back: Waking up from IV sedation typically feels quicker and clearer compared to oral sedation. You’ll be back to your usual self in no time!
  • Gentler on You: Compared to other sedation methods, IV sedation tends to have fewer side effects, so you can expect less discomfort post-procedure.

Curious to learn more or think IV sedation might be right for you? Feel free to reach out to us! 

Ready to See How Comfortable Your Dental Care Can Be?

If you’ve been avoiding the dentist for any reason, we encourage you to reach out to us. As the only certified IV sedation dentist in Santa Rosa—and the first to bring sedation dentistry to the North Bay decades ago—Dr. Buzza has a long-standing commitment to making dental care accessible, comfortable, and fear-free for everyone. We understand everyone’s dental journey is unique, and we’re here to provide personalized care tailored just for you. 

Don’t let anxiety keep you from achieving the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve. Let us help you overcome your dental fears with compassion and understanding. Contact Team Buzza today at (707) 573-0600 to learn more about how we can transform your dental experience into a positive one. Your comfort and care are our top priorities, and we look forward to welcoming you into our family!

Tips for Healthy Teeth

Do you take proper care of your teeth? Though we’re often taught at a young age how important dental health is, it can be easy to neglect dental health from time to time. 

As such, the skilled and professional team at Buzza Dental Group has put together a list of helpful tips to ensure healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Take a look! 

Good Practices for Healthy Teeth

Remember, getting into a routine is key! The more you practice good dental hygiene, the easier it will become. Start with the following: 

Avoid sugary foods and drinks.

Of course, you don’t have to completely sustain from sugar, but when it comes to the health of your teeth, less is more! 

Brush your teeth twice a day. 

This seems like a no-brainer, right? While brushing your teeth once in the morning and then again before bed may be simple tasks, it’s still common to forget, or even get lazy. This is where your routine will come in handy. Additionally, never go to bed without brushing your teeth—this is a bad habit that could eventually lead to dental issues. 

Also, don’t neglect your tongue—brush it thoroughly, too! 

Floss your teeth once a day.

Flossing your teeth isn’t exactly fun, but it is necessary if you want to have healthy teeth. Find a time that is convenient for you to floss and just get it done! 

Avoid smoking cigarettes, chewing tobacco, and drinking alcohol.

Tips For Healthy Teeth Image 2

You already know that smoking, chewing tobacco, and alcohol are bad for your health. Therefore, it should come as no surprise that these vices are harmful to your teeth, too. 

Visit your dentist every six months. 

It’s recommended that you see your dentist every six months for an oral examination and teeth cleaning. Doing so will help alert your dentist of any problems before they’ve had time to worsen.

Contact Buzza Dental Group Today! 

Is it time to see the dentist? At Buzza Dental Group in Santa Rosa, we offer a variety of services to help keep your teeth healthy! To schedule an appointment, simply call (707) 573-0600 or use our convenient, online form. We look forward to seeing your smile.

Dr. Buzza, DDS

BUZZA DENTAL GROUP

Enriching Lives, Exceeding Expectations

2448 Guerneville Rd. Suite 1200, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: 707-573-0600 • Fax: 707-324-1234
info@santarosadentist.com