Emergency Dentistry - Woodland Hills, CA

Types of Dental Emergencies

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Handling Dental Emergencies With Confidence

Accidents and unexpected situations can occur at any time, and dental emergencies are no exception. From excruciating toothaches to sudden injuries, dental emergencies can be distressing and overwhelming. However, being well-informed and prepared can make all the difference when faced with a dental emergency.

At our Los Angeles dental office, Dr. Chaves is here for all your dental needs, including in a dental emergency. Learn more and don’t hesitate to reach out to our Woodland Hills dentist at 818-491-7294 for help.

If you require an emergency dentist near you in Woodland Hills, CA, our team is here to promptly relieve your pain and restore your oral health.

The Types of Dental Emergencies You May Experience

Gum Issues

Gum issues are not only painful dental emergencies but are also concerning for your oral health. Damage to gum tissue can lead to severe complications, including disruption to the periodontal ligament, alveolar bone, and cementum tissue, which may result in pulp necrosis, infection, and tooth loss. From gum infections to abscesses, these emergencies require immediate attention to prevent further complications.

Gum Abscesses: If you notice a pimple-like bump on your gums, seek emergency dental care to drain the abscess and prevent the infection from spreading.
Bleeding Gums: Experiencing excessive and persistent gum bleeding could indicate an underlying problem. It may be a sign of gum disease or an injury.
Gum Infections: Infections in the gums can lead to throbbing pain and discomfort, often progressing into a dental emergency. A dental professional should evaluate the infection promptly.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Orthodontic emergencies can be challenging to handle, especially if you wear braces or aligners. Knowing how to manage these dental emergencies is crucial for maintaining the progress of your orthodontic treatment.

Poking Wires: If a wire from your braces is poking into your cheek or gums, use a clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil to gently push it into a more comfortable position.
Loose Brackets or Bands: If a bracket or band becomes loose, stabilize it using orthodontic wax or a small piece of gauze. Avoid eating sticky or hard foods until you can get them fixed by your orthodontist.
Discomfort from Aligners: It’s common to experience discomfort when wearing new aligners. Over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet can help alleviate the discomfort until your mouth adjusts to the new aligners.

Lost Dental Restorations

Losing a dental restoration can be distressing, but knowing how to handle it can make a significant difference in preserving your dental health.

Lost Filling: If a filling falls out, use sugar-free gum or dental cement to fill the cavity temporarily. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth and schedule an emergency dental appointment to get the filling replaced.
Lost Crown: If your dental crown comes off, gently clean it and try to reattach it using dental adhesive or toothpaste as a temporary fix. Visit your dentist’s office as soon as possible to ensure the crown is securely repositioned.

Tooth Fractures, Broken Teeth, and Cracks

Tooth fractures and cracks can occur due to trauma or biting on objects. Immediate treatment for chipped teeth or a broken tooth is crucial to prevent infection and save the tooth. Immediate attention is essential to prevent further damage and potential infection.

Chipped Teeth: Rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the chipped teeth to reduce dental pain and swelling. If possible, save any chipped fragments and seek emergency dental care to restore your tooth’s appearance and function.
Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth can cause sharp dental pain when chewing. Contact our Woodland Hills emergency dentist immediately for an evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Split Tooth: A split tooth is a severe form of tooth fracture where the tooth has separated into distinct segments, causing severe pain and sore and swollen gums.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If you have a knocked-out tooth, handle it by the crown (top part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any tissue fragments. Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket and bite on a clean cloth to hold it in place.

If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the knocked-out tooth back in a glass of milk or saline solution and seek immediate dental care. For both primary and permanent teeth, it is crucial to follow these steps and seek professional dental care quickly to increase the chances of saving the tooth.

Jaw Injuries

Jaw injuries can result from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents. Prompt medical attention is vital to assess the extent of the damage.

Jaw Fracture: If you suspect a jaw fracture, stabilize the jaw using a bandage or cloth. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and visit the nearest emergency room or call an ambulance for immediate medical care.
Dislocated Jaw: A dislocated jaw can cause severe pain and limited movement. Avoid trying to relocate it yourself. Seek immediate medical attention or visit a hospital emergency room for professional assistance.

Dental Abscesses

Dental abscesses are severe infections that can lead to systemic complications if left untreated. Immediate dental care is crucial to prevent further spreading of the infection. Root canal therapy can be a treatment option for severe dental abscesses.

Tooth Abscess: A tooth abscess often presents as a pimple-like bump on the gum. Rinse your mouth with salt water and apply a cold compress to reduce pain and swelling. An emergency dental visit in Woodland Hills is necessary to drain the abscess and address the infection.
Gum Abscess: Like tooth abscesses, gum abscesses require prompt dental attention. A dentist can assess the severity and provide appropriate treatment to relieve pain and resolve the infection.

Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, can be a source of tooth pain and various dental emergencies, particularly when they don’t erupt properly.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth: Impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain, swelling, and infections. Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and maintain good oral hygiene. An oral surgeon should evaluate impacted wisdom teeth to determine if extraction is necessary.
Partially Erupted Wisdom Teeth: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create pockets where food and bacteria accumulate, leading to gum infections. Professional evaluation is essential to address the issue effectively and relieve pain.

doctor helping patient with dental procedure within the dental practice

We offer several types of sedation to alleviate dental anxiety and ensure your ultimate comfort.

Dental Emergency or Medical Emergency?

PLEASE NOTE: If you experience neck or head pain, are bleeding uncontrollably, feel dizzy or suffered severe trauma, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or getting transported to the nearest medical facility. Medical personnel are best equipped to assist you with these serious symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an acute dental emergency?

An acute dental emergency is a sudden and severe dental problem that requires immediate attention and intervention. These emergencies often involve severe pain, trauma, or infections that need prompt dental care to prevent further complications. Examples of acute dental emergencies include severe toothaches, knocked-out teeth, fractured jaws, or abscesses.

What constitutes a dental injury during sports?

A dental injury during sports can include any trauma or damage to the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, or jaw. Common examples are knocked-out teeth, fractured teeth, broken teeth, cuts to the mouth, or injuries caused by impact with sports equipment or other players. Dental injuries can also affect the soft tissues in the oral cavity, including gums, periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and other surrounding structures.

Is it normal for gums to bleed during a dental emergency?

While some bleeding can occur during some types of dental emergencies, excessive or uncontrolled bleeding isn’t normal. If you experience significant gum bleeding during a dental emergency, it’s important to seek immediate professional attention.

Can severe pain from a dental emergency lead to complications if not treated promptly?

Yes, untreated dental emergencies can lead to various severe health complications. For example, an untreated infection or abscess can spread to other parts of the body, potentially causing serious health issues. Prompt treatment helps prevent complications and ensures better outcomes.

Be Prepared For Common Dental Emergencies With Our Woodland Hills Dentist

Having an understanding of all types of dental emergencies can be beneficial if one occurs. By understanding the appropriate steps for each situation, you can effectively manage common dental emergencies and crises and protect your oral health. Remember to seek professional dental care promptly to ensure the best possible outcome in any emergency. Our Woodland Hills emergency dentists are here for you in your time of need. Call our Woodland Hills dental office at 818-491-7294 to schedule an appointment.

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