Skip to main content

Help! I Think I’m Having a Dental Emergency

When you have a dental problem like a cavity, you may feel discomfort and need to see your dentist, but most of the time, the pain and situation aren’t serious enough to warrant an immediate visit to your dentist’s office.

So what constitutes an actual dental emergency, when it’s critical that you receive care right away? That’s what we’ll cover in this month’s post.

A highly respected, talented, and compassionate dentist, Dr. Ali Saeghi is committed to providing the most advanced dental care — especially when you least expect to need it. You can count on Modern Age Dentistry to be here for you, whether you’re getting a planned service or if something unexpected happens and you need care within the hour. 

What dental situations are considered true emergencies?

Deciding if you’re dealing with a dental emergency isn’t overly complicated, fortunately.

You’ll need prompt attention if you sustain a serious tooth or mouth injury. Examples of these types of injuries include receiving a severe blow to the mouth while playing sports or through some type of accident, like a fall or auto collision. 

In instances like these, your tooth may break, become dislodged or loosened, or  you might lose it entirely. Your mouth may also bleed a lot, which points to the fact that you’ll need emergency care. Severe pain is another  reason to call our office for immediate treatment, as well as if you have serious swelling or can see or feel some type of knot in your mouth, which may indicate an infection.

In addition to accidents, sometimes simply biting down on something very hard can require emergency dental care if your tooth becomes loose or dislodged. In other instances, food can get stuck between your teeth, and you find you can’t get it out with dental floss. This too is considered a reason to call us right away for treatment. 

If you do lose your tooth as the result of an accident, you should do some specific things to properly preserve it so Dr. Saeghi can reattach it: 

  1. Only handle your tooth at the crown (the top of the tooth), not the root. Check to see if you can tell if any part of the root or crown is missing.
  2. Don’t try to clean or remove dirt from the tooth with rubbing, as this could damage it. Instead, rinse the tooth, for no more than 10 seconds, in a bowl of lukewarm tap water – never running water.
  3. Attempt to return your tooth to its socket. If it doesn’t fit into the socket exactly, bite down on a wet paper towel or piece of gauze, which can help it stay in place until you get to our office. 
  4. If you’re unable to put your tooth back in its socket, place it between your gum and cheek in your mouth, or in a container with your saliva or milk. You can also buy products that help preserve your tooth in such situations. Make sure you buy one that has been approved by the American Dental Association.
  5. Now it’s time to seek emergency dental care. If you cannot reach the Modern Age dental office, go to the nearest hospital emergency room. 

If you come to our office after you’ve lost a tooth, Dr. Saeghi will do all he can to save and reattach it.

How to avoid dental emergencies

If you’re mindful of how most dental emergencies develop, you can take steps to prevent them, including being careful about eating hard candy and other hard or chewy foods, never using your mouth or teeth to open a bottle or can, and making sure to wear a mouthguard whenever you play contact sports.

It’s also critical to brush well twice a day and floss daily to avoid severe decay and gum disease, which in its later stages can cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out. 

Call the Modern Age Dentistry office closest to you if you have a dental emergency so you can be treated ASAP. Our offices are located in Los Angeles, Ojai, and West Hills, California. You can also book an appointment online, but in the case of an emergency, it’s best to contact us directly by phone.

You Might Also Enjoy...

7 Reasons to Consider Dental Implants

You might not be concerned if you’re one of the millions missing a tooth, but it can put you at risk for quite a few problems. Learn about dental implants, a solution that offers you many advantages, from less hassle to a more natural look, here.
The Easiest Ways to Care for Dentures

The Easiest Ways to Care for Dentures

More people than you’d imagine are missing teeth, and failing to get treatment leaves them vulnerable to chewing and speaking problems, bone loss, and more. Here, you’ll learn why dentures are a great protective and cosmetic solution and how to care for th
Are You a Candidate for Veneers?

Are You a Candidate for Veneers?

Tooth chips, cracks, and stains — oh my! If your smile doesn’t dazzle, look into all that veneer treatment can do for you. Learn about why the treatment is so popular, what to expect, and whether you’re a good candidate for treatment, here. 
Tips for Maximizing Your Teeth-Whitening Experience

Tips for Maximizing Your Teeth-Whitening Experience

Nothing can sap your self-confidence — and your desire to smile — like dull, stained teeth. We’ve got good news, though. In just one office visit, you can receive a revolutionary whitening treatment. Here’s how to make the results last.
When Crowns Are the Best Option

When Crowns Are the Best Option

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that fits snugly over your tooth and addresses a multitude of problems, from concealing cracks and discoloration to improving your smile cosmetically. Learn about why this versatile treatment is so popular, here.
 Stop Doing This If You Want Whiter Teeth

Stop Doing This If You Want Whiter Teeth

Are stains and discoloration ruining your smile? Learn about the most important thing to limit if you’re concerned with a less-than-white smile, as well as about an in-office whitening treatment that can bring your bright smile back again.