When you think of emergencies, you might think of a house catching on fire or an elderly person taking a fall. You might not think about your teeth. In fact, if you have good oral hygiene habits, you might take it for granted that your pearly whites will stay in great condition indefinitely. Unfortunately, a dental emergency in Los Angeles can happen anytime. Here are some situations when you should contact a dentist immediately.
An Avulsed Tooth
To say that a tooth is “avulsed” is just a fancy way of saying that it got knocked out of your mouth. If that happens to when you’re playing sports or involved in an accident, don’t assume that the tooth is a lost cause. If you get to your emergency dentist in Los Angeles as soon as possible, your care provider might be able to reattach the tooth so your smile won’t have to suffer from a brand new gap.
An Abscessed Tooth
When there is a localized bacterial infection inside a tooth, this is referred to as an abscess. If it’s left untreated for too long, the infection could spread and lead to severe complications. In the meantime, you might suffer from pain and sensitivity that make it difficult to go about your daily activities.
A Broken or Lost Crown or Filling
Crowns and fillings protect your teeth and stop decay from spreading. When one of these gets lost or damaged, your mouth becomes vulnerable. You might find it difficult to chew food, and you could experience severe pain. The risk of infection also increases.
Jaw Injury
There are different types of jaw injuries, ranging from mild to severe. If you’re experiencing pain in your mandible because of an accident or other impact, it’s important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. A fractured or dislocated jaw can lead to breathing complications and bleeding. After your visit the emergency room at a local hospital, it’s a good idea to see your dentist to receive treatment for any damage that might have occurred to your teeth.
A Cracked Tooth
If a crack in your tooth is just in the enamel, it’s probably nothing to worry about. However, if you’re experiencing pain because of a cracked tooth, it’s time to make a beeline for your dentist’s office. A crack is an open invitation for bacteria to sneak into your tooth and cause a painful infection. Your dentist can place a crown on the tooth or recommend other treatment options.
Severe Toothache
If it suddenly becomes next to impossible to eat or brush your teeth because of a severe toothache, this is a major indicator that you are experiencing a dental emergency. Your emergency dentist can help you pinpoint the reason behind the pain and get you back to feeling good as soon as possible.
Emergencies come in all shapes and sizes. If you experience any of the above-listed situations, seek out professional care as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner and the team at Westside Dental Associates want to help their patients have their best smiles. Dr. Latner is well acquainted with how to deal with dental emergencies; for years, he helped the athletes at UCLA recover from their oral injuries. If you want more information on what to do during a dental emergency, contact Westside Dental Associates at 310-477-1081.