What To Expect From a Los Angeles Emergency Dentist 

Dental emergencies that disrupt daily life may require the immediate help of a Los Angeles emergency dentist. You did not plan on a tooth hurting during the middle of the night or your child knocking a tooth out playing soccer. Still, these events happen often cannot wait until a convenient time for treatment.

Some dental emergencies require that you act within minutes to save a tooth from extraction. Knowing what to do and what not to do is essential during an emergency. 

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7 Signs You Need To See a Los Angeles Emergency Dentist

Dental emergencies happen every day in Los Angeles. A recent survey found 22% of Americans had at least one episode of oral pain in the past six months and 12%  had a toothache.

And would you believe that a Los Angeles study, determined “dental problems were responsible for about 1/3 of elementary school absences”?

Suffice to say, that certain situations arise that require an emergency dentist appointment as soon as possible. We can’t afford to miss work or school!

So, here are seven signs that you need to contact a dentist immediately.

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1. Pain 

It is impossible to ignore a pain in your mouth, especially a toothache. Pain can be so severe that it prevents you from sleeping, working, or going to school. You should contact an emergency dentist if you experience:

• A severe toothache
• Jaw pain and swelling
• Pain and/or difficulty when swallowing
• Painful and bleeding gums

2. Abscessed Tooth

The signs of an abscessed tooth include:

• Severe toothache
• Extreme sensitivity to hot and cold
• Pain when biting on the tooth
• Pain in the ear
• Fever
• Jaw or facial swelling
• Gum swelling
• Tender lymph nodes
• Bad taste in your mouth
• Difficulty swallowing

3. Broken or Chipped Tooth

A broken or chipped tooth requires an emergency dentist in certain situations. Typically, you can wait until the next day for this. However, you’ll want to contact a local emergency dentist if you experience any of the following issues:

• The affected tooth causes severe pain
• You have a lacerated lip, tongue, or other soft tissue injuries
• Swelling accompanies your damaged tooth
• A sharp edge remains on the tooth, capable of cutting your lip, cheek, or tongue
• You cannot eat or drink because of the broken tooth

4. Lost or Broken Dentures

The reason a broken or lost denture might be considered an emergency is because it can severely affect your daily life. Many people need their dentures to chew food and or even to speak clearly. 

If you don’t want your nutrition or social life to suffer, contact an emergency dentist to get your new dentures as soon as possible. 

5. Swelling in the Face or Neck 

Several dental conditions can cause swelling that creates an emergency. These include:

• Abscessed tooth
• Recent tooth extraction
• Infected gum overlying an unerupted tooth
• Allergic reaction

6. Persistent Bleeding After Dental Work

It is normal to bleed for several hours after a tooth extraction. However, it’s not typical for bleeding to continue for more than 8 to 12 hours.

If you’re still having problems after a recent dental procedure, you need emergency dental treatment.

7. Knocked-Out Tooth

If you knock a tooth out, you have a true dental emergency. This is also a very common emergency, happening more than five million times each year to children and adults.

Your actions immediately after the accident determine whether you have a chance to save the tooth.

Here are the steps to take to increase the chances of keeping your natural tooth:

• Find the tooth immediately and pick it up by the crown (top of the tooth) and not by the root. Handle the tooth carefully and try not to touch its root.
• If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with clean water. DO NOT use any soap products. If possible, use filtered or distilled water. Rinse gently, and do not scrub the tooth.
• Try to place the tooth back into its socket. Use a soft cloth or gauze and gently bite down until you reach your dentist.
• If you cannot replace the tooth into its socket, keep the tooth moist. It is critical that the tooth doesn’t dry out. You can even store it in your mouth up against the cheek. If this isn’t possible, gently place the tooth in a container of saliva or cold milk (yes, really).
• Visit an emergency dentist immediately. Getting to an emergency dentist quickly and keeping the tooth moist makes it possible to save your tooth.

Every knocked-out tooth needs a root canal treatment and follow-up evaluations. Your Los Angeles emergency dentist will give specific instructions for home care after replanting the tooth. These include keeping the tooth clean and some necessary diet restrictions to allow the tooth time to reattach to the bone. 

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What Isn’t a Dental Emergency 

It helps to know if you should contact a Los Angeles emergency dentist immediately or if you can wait until a convenient time for treatment. If you experience one of the following, you may not need same-day treatment:

• Loose tooth: If you notice a loose permanent tooth, you should call your Los Angeles dentist and inform them. If you have no pain or swelling, you likely do not need emergency treatment.

• Bleeding after flossing: Any persistent and uncontrolled bleeding is an emergency. However, it’s common to notice bleeding after flossing if you have not flossed regularly. Bleeding gums usually signifies gingivitis which can progress into more severe gum disease if not treated.

• Dislodged crown: You won’t need to have your crown placed on your tooth in the middle of the night if it comes off. However, you should contact your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications.

• Chipped tooth: As long as you don’t experience severe pain or swelling, a chipped tooth can wait until a convenient time for treatment. But, you should not delay having a broken tooth repair since it could lead to more expensive and complicated treatment.

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How To Schedule Your Los Angeles Emergency Dentist Appointment 

Here are the steps to take if you need to schedule a Los Angeles emergency dentist appointment:

Step 1: Determine if it’s an emergency.

The information above can help you make this decision. Remember that a severe toothache, swelling of the face, jaws, or gums, and a knocked-out tooth always need emergency treatment.

Step 2: Find the best Los Angeles emergency dentist to take care of you. 

Location is everything. We’re personally located on South Beverly and Wilshire in between Beverly Hills and Beverlywood. Being in the heart of West Los Angeles makes Lasry Dental Clinic one of the most convenient dentists for Californians.

Step 3: Call and describe your problem.

Remain calm and try to explain your dental condition accurately. Your Los Angeles emergency dentist will ask you several questions, and your answers will help us decide the best treatment options.

Need an emergency dentist in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills? Call Lasry Dental Clinic by clicking here!