Emergency Dentistry at iSmilespa, Santa Cruz, CA

Dental emergencies can be alarming and painful, often striking without warning. Whether you are dealing with a sudden, severe toothache, a traumatic injury, or a lost restoration, knowing where to turn for immediate, expert care is crucial.

At iSmilespa, we understand the urgency of these situations and are dedicated to providing prompt and effective emergency dental services. Our experienced team is equipped to handle a wide range of dental crises, with a primary focus on alleviating your pain, addressing the underlying problem, and preventing further complications.

If you are experiencing a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact our Santa Cruz office for guidance and care.

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What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

It can sometimes be difficult to distinguish between a problem that can wait for a regular appointment and a true dental emergency that requires immediate attention. A dental emergency is generally any situation that involves severe pain, uncontrolled bleeding, or a time-sensitive issue that could result in tooth loss or systemic infection if not treated promptly.

You should seek immediate emergency dental care if you experience any of the following:

• Severe, Persistent Tooth Pain: A throbbing toothache that persists despite over-the-counter pain relievers can be a sign of a serious infection or abscess.
• A Knocked-Out (Avulsed) Tooth: Quick action is critical for the best chance of saving the tooth.
• A Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Tooth: Especially if the fracture is large or causes sharp pain, as this may indicate that the inner nerve of the tooth is exposed.
• A Lost Filling or Crown: Leaving the underlying tooth structure exposed can lead to sensitivity, pain, and further decay or damage.
• A Dental Abscess: This is a pocket of pus that forms at the root of a tooth or in the gums, indicating a serious infection. Signs include a painful, pimple-like swelling on the gums, facial swelling, and fever. An abscess can be life-threatening if the infection spreads.
• Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth that does not stop after applying pressure.
• Injury to the Gums, Tongue, or Cheeks: Deep cuts or lacerations inside the mouth require immediate attention.

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What to Do in a Common Dental Emergency

Your actions immediately following a dental injury can significantly impact the outcome. Here is what you should do while you are on your way to our office:

For a Knocked-Out Tooth:
Gently pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), avoiding the root. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water. Do not scrub it. Gently reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place by biting down on a clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a small container of milk or your own saliva and bring it with you. The tooth has the highest chance of survival if it is reimplanted within one hour.

For a Chipped or Broken Tooth:
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water. If you are in pain, you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. If you can find the broken piece of the tooth, bring it with you.

For a Severe Toothache:
Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water and gently use dental floss to remove any food particles that may be lodged between your teeth. Do not apply aspirin or any other pain reliever directly to the gums, as this can cause tissue damage.

For a Lost Crown or Filling:
If you have the crown, you can try to temporarily reattach it using a small amount of dental cement or toothpaste, but do not force it. This will help protect the exposed tooth until you can see us.

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Your Emergency Visit: What to Expect

We strive to create a calm and reassuring environment, particularly during stressful emergencies. When you arrive, our top priority will be to alleviate your pain. Your emergency appointment will typically involve:

• A Focused Examination: Our dentist will quickly and gently examine the affected area to diagnose the problem.
• Digital X-Rays: We will likely take digital X-rays to obtain a clear view of the tooth's root and the surrounding bone, allowing us to identify issues not visible to the naked eye.
• Pain Relief: We will administer a local anesthetic to numb the area, providing immediate relief from your pain.
• Treatment Discussion: Once a diagnosis is made, our dentist will clearly explain the issue and your treatment options. We will answer all your questions to ensure you feel informed and comfortable.
• Immediate Treatment: We will perform the necessary treatment to address the emergency. This could involve draining an abscess, placing a temporary restoration on a broken tooth, splinting a loose tooth, or providing medication. The goal is to stabilize the situation and eliminate pain.
• Follow-Up Plan: Before you leave, we will provide you with detailed post-care instructions and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to ensure the restoration is complete and proper healing occurs.

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Meet The Doctors

Dr. Michael Melek
Dr. Michael Melek is dedicated to delivering exceptional dental care to the Santa Cruz community. He graduated with top honors from the University of Michigan, where he earned the Crown and Bridge award. With additional training in Implantology and Orthodontics, Dr. Melek is a member of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Orthodontic Society.

Dr. Connor Malek
A third-generation dentist, Dr. Connor Malek, graduated with high honors from the University of Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. He has received awards in Operative Dentistry and has advanced training in Oral Surgery. Dr. Connor is skilled in all areas of dentistry, including modern cosmetic and restorative treatments, and is known for his kind and gentle approach.

Dr. Tod Anderson
With 17 years of experience, Dr. Tod Anderson recently joined the iSmilespa team. He is dedicated to providing personalized dental care that meets each patient's unique needs, delivering high-quality restorations to help patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health.

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Payment and Insurance

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, checks, and cash. Financing options are available through Cherry Financing and CareCredit. We are in-network with many dental insurance plans, so contact us to verify your coverage.

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Contact Information:

iSmilespa
3337 Mission Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: (831) 462-6500