What to Do in a Dental Emergency: A Guide to Saving Your Smile

1. Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a severe emergency, but it can often be successfully replanted if handled carefully and treated quickly by a skilled dentist.

• Handle with care: Pick up the tooth by the crown (the chewing surface), never by the root.

• Rinse gently: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments.

• Keep it moist: Try to gently insert the tooth back into its socket if possible. If not, place it in a small cup of milk or keep it inside your cheek. The tooth must stay moist to keep the root cells alive.

• Act fast: You need to see a dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving the tooth.

2. Severe, Throbbing Toothache

A persistent, intense toothache is usually a sign of an underlying infection or deep decay that requires precise clinical intervention.

• Clean the area: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. Use dental floss gently to ensure there is no trapped food debris causing the pressure.

• Manage pain safely: Take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen if needed. Do not place aspirin directly against the gums near the aching tooth, as this can burn the delicate tissue.

• Avoid extreme temperatures: Stay away from overly hot or freezing cold drinks, which can trigger agonizing pain spikes.

3. Cracked, Chipped, or Broken Tooth

A fractured tooth requires a professional eye and an artistic vision to restore both its structural integrity and natural appearance.

• Rinse and save pieces: Rinse your mouth with warm water and try to save any broken fragments of the tooth.

• Stop the bleeding: If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze for about 10 minutes or until it stops.

• Protect your mouth: If the broken edge is sharp, cover it with a piece of sugarless chewing gum or dental wax to keep it from cutting your tongue or cheek.

4. Lost Filling or Crown

When a restoration comes off, the sensitive underlying structure of the tooth is exposed to bacteria and temperature changes.

• Protect the tooth: Keep the crown safe. If you can, apply a small dab of over-the-counter dental cement or even toothpaste to the inside of the crown and gently slide it back over the tooth to protect it temporarily.

• Do not use household glue: Never attempt to superglue a dental restoration back into place.

When to Go Straight to the Emergency Room

While we are equipped to handle complex dental trauma at our office, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention at a hospital. Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 if you experience:

• A fractured or dislocated jaw

• Severe swelling in your face, jaw, or neck that makes it difficult to breathe or swallow

• Uncontrolled, heavy bleeding from the mouth

Prompt, Precise Emergency Dental Care in Los Angeles

In a dental emergency, you don't just need a quick fix, you need experienced clinical technique to ensure the long-term health and aesthetics of your smile.

Located right near Miracle Mile and Beverly Hills, Simply Results Dentistry provides prompt emergency care with the steady hand and clinical mastery you deserve. If you're experiencing dental pain or trauma, skip the wait and contact Dr. James Hernandez, DDS right away. call 310 657 3100

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