Understanding the Role of an Emergency Dentist

You might need an emergency dentist if you are dealing with an unexpected dental issue or injury that requires immediate treatment like a knocked-out tooth, unbearable toothache, or infected tooth. Waiting a couple of weeks for a dental appointment does not cut it in these situations.

An emergency dentist can help you navigate around unforeseen dental problems and ensure you get the dental care you need promptly. These dentists typically accept walk-ins, and many are open 24/7.

Important things you should know about the role of an emergency dentist

An emergency dentist is a dental professional equipped to handle unexpected and urgent dental problems that cannot wait for a typical dental appointment. They are trained to address severe issues and often work outside regular office hours, ensuring that all their patients receive timely treatment to alleviate pain, prevent further complications, and protect their overall oral health.

Examples of dental issues that require emergency care include:

1. Knocked-out teeth

A knocked-out tooth is one of the most pressing dental emergencies requiring immediate attention since the tooth can sometimes be reattached if the patient gets to a clinic within a couple of hours of the injury. Such injuries can also be accompanied by excessive bleeding. An emergency dentist can help to reattach knocked-out teeth or start the process for teeth replacement options like dental implants if the tooth cannot be reattached. Anyone dealing with a knocked-out tooth should secure it immediately and store it in saliva or warm milk to preserve it while heading to the nearest emergency dentist.

2. Severe toothaches

While not all toothaches require immediate attention, a sudden, severe toothache can be a sign of a more significant underlying issue, such as an abscess or infection. An emergency dentist can identify the cause and provide pain relief and necessary treatment.

Any tooth pain that prevents a person from getting any sleep or focusing on tasks requires urgent care. Toothaches do not just occur out of the blue. They are the brain’s way of informing us that something is wrong in our mouths.

3. Broken or chipped teeth

While chipped or broken teeth might seem like mere aesthetic issues at first glance, they sometimes require emergency dental care. Damage to a tooth can expose its sensitive inner layers like the dentin or the pulp, leading to intense pain.

This exposure can also make the tooth vulnerable to infections, which, if left untreated, can progress to more severe conditions like abscesses, posing potential health risks. Additionally, the jagged or sharp edges of a chipped or broken tooth can cause cuts and injuries to the tongue, cheeks, or lips. Seeking immediate attention for severely chipped or broken teeth ensures prompt pain management and the prevention of further complications. Treatment also restores the tooth’s appearance and function.

4. Lost fillings or crowns

While it might not sound serious, a lost filling or crown can be quite painful and lead to further damage if not addressed quickly. It often leaves previously protected parts of teeth exposed to irritants in the mouth, like saliva.

5. Tooth infections or abscesses

Infections and abscesses can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Anyone who notices swelling, a foul taste in their mouth, or severe toothaches should visit a dentist immediately.

Reasons to choose an emergency dentist

Some of the reasons why people with any of the issues listed above should seek emergency care instead of waiting for a regular appointment include:

• Prevents further damage: Immediate dental care can prevent minor issues from evolving into more severe, often more expensive problems
• Pain management: Dental emergencies can be extremely painful. An emergency dentist can provide immediate pain relief, making the situation more bearable
• Protects the patient’s oral health: Timely interventions can safeguard a person’s oral health, ensuring the longevity of their teeth and gums

Understanding when to seek out an emergency dentist instead of waiting for a standard appointment can help avoid unnecessary stress and expenditure. Any dental issue that involves a tooth being severely damaged, comes with symptoms of an infection, or causes considerable pain counts as a dental emergency.

Get the urgent care you need

Life is unpredictable, and dental emergencies can arise when we least expect them. An emergency dentist plays a pivotal role in these scenarios, offering immediate care that can be the difference between saving or losing a tooth. Need emergency dental care? Call or stop by our Woodland Hills clinic to get fast treatment from our emergency dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southerncalsmiles.com or call Southern Cal Smiles: Susan Fredericks, D.D.S, M.P.H. at (818) 657-8055 for an appointment in our Woodland Hills office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Emergency Dentist in Woodland Hills, CA.