Can I See an Emergency Dentist Today?
Yes, in most cases. Fountain of Youth Dental sees emergency patients by same-day appointment Monday through Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm, and Friday, 10 am to 2 pm. Call (210) 614-5481 as early in the day as you can. New patients are welcome, and the team will tell you what to do until you arrive.
Dental pain does not wait for a convenient time. A cracked tooth at dinner, a throbbing abscess at midnight, a crown that falls out before a meeting. When you need an emergency dentist in San Antonio TX, the first question is always the same: who do I call and how fast can I get in? Patients from Leon Valley and the Babcock Road area call Fountain of Youth Dental on Medical Drive because Dr. Cappetta, DDS, has practiced dentistry for 35 plus years. Not a rotating associate at a triage clinic. The same doctor who already knows your dental history.
Can the ER Do Anything for Tooth Pain?
The ER can ease tooth pain for a few hours, but it cannot fix the tooth. Most emergency rooms can give pain medicine or antibiotics and check for a spreading infection. They cannot pull a tooth, do a root canal, or place a crown. For anything short of a true medical emergency, a dentist is the faster fix.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you experience any of the following: inability to swallow or breathe, severe swelling spreading to the neck or face below the eye, uncontrolled bleeding that will not stop with pressure, a jaw fracture or head trauma with loss of consciousness, or a high fever combined with facial swelling. Everything else, including severe toothaches, broken teeth, lost crowns, knocked-out teeth, and dental abscesses without spreading swelling, belongs at Fountain of Youth Dental. Call the office and Dr. Cappetta will determine the fastest path to getting you out of pain.
What Should I Do Before I Get to the Dentist?
The steps you take in the first 15 to 30 minutes can make a significant difference in the outcome of your treatment. Here are some tips and what to do for the most common dental emergencies before you arrive.
Knocked-out permanent tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown only. Do not touch the root. Rinse it gently with water without scrubbing. If possible, reinsert it into the socket and hold it there gently. If you cannot do that, place it in a small container of cold milk or between your cheek and gum to keep it moist. Call immediately. A tooth replanted within 30 minutes has the best chance of survival. Time is the critical factor.
Broken or cracked tooth. Rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is bleeding. Place a cold compress on the outside of the cheek to reduce swelling. Bring any broken tooth fragments to the appointment in a clean container.
Lost crown or filling. Do not leave the tooth exposed if you can help it. Temporary dental cement is available at most pharmacies and can cover the tooth until your appointment. Avoid chewing on that side. Do not use super glue.
Dental abscess. An abscess is a bacterial infection and it will not resolve on its own. Rinse gently with warm salt water to reduce discomfort. Do not put aspirin directly on the gum tissue. Call the office immediately. If swelling is spreading visibly to your face, jaw, or neck, go to the emergency room first. A spreading abscess can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Severe toothache. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever appropriate for your medical history. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. Do not place aspirin or clove oil directly on the gum tissue. Call and get scheduled.
