The best way to handle a dental emergency is to be prepared beforehand. We hope our Dental Emergency FAQs help you and your family experience better health. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, call Dentist of Bixby Knolls right away at (562) 287-5175 so we can assist you!
Dental emergencies are any sort of health issue with the teeth, jaw, or mouth that need to be taken care of immediately. Dental emergencies typically require care from a dentist or doctor, although a few minor dental emergencies may be taken care of at home. (Either way, call us for help!)
A dental emergency is different from an important dental issue that needs to be taken care of soon but not immediately.
An example of a dental emergency vs. an important dental issue is excessive bleeding. If you have a lot of bleeding in the mouth, that is likely an emergency and you should call our office right away. If it is very severe, you may need to go to the emergency room. However, if you have some mild bleeding after you brush or floss, this is not urgent. It is important, however, since it may be a sign that you have gum disease. Therefore, you should schedule an appointment to see us as soon as possible.
Here are some examples of dental emergencies:
A tooth has come loose or has been knocked out
Cracking, chipping, or fracturing of the teeth
Signs of infection, such as swelling or fever
Acute pain in the mouth
Excessive oral bleeding
Cuts or scrapes inside the mouth
Possible broken jaw (go straight to the hospital)
A loose tooth or one that has come completely out can still potentially be saved, but you need to act fast. If you can’t come to our office within the hour, go to the nearest emergency room. The knocked out tooth should be rinsed in water (keep the pulp on the tooth) and stored in milk or in the saliva in your mouth. If the tooth can be gently placed back in the socket, you can do that, but you still need to come see us or go to the hospital within an hour to save the tooth.
Sometimes braces wires get loose. It’s a good idea to keep an orthodontic emergency kit on hand in case this happens. If a wire gets loose, a little bit of orthodontic wax can be placed on the end of the wire to keep it from aggravating the inside of the mouth. You should still come and see us as soon as possible to get the braces repaired.
Children can get into a lot of mischief, and it is quite common for a child to get an object such as a small toy stuck in the teeth. While it might be tempting to take the stuck object out of their teeth on your own, it is much safer if you allow your Bixby Knolls dentist to do this.
To reduce this problem, please do not give small children toys that have tiny parts. Small toys or parts which can be put in the mouth easily can be dangerous for children since the child may get the object wedged in the teeth or swallow it.
Sometimes food particles can also get stuck in teeth – not just in children but also for adults. Popcorn kernels are common culprits. In these cases, it is often best to come see us in our Bixby Knolls dental office. We can remove the stuck food safely and also check to make sure no other problems were caused by the food being stuck.
Do not let concerns about payment stop you from getting treated for a dental emergency. At Dentist of Bixby Knolls, we take most dental insurance plans and are happy to work with you on payment arrangements. If you need to go to the hospital, such as for a broken jaw, then your health insurance should cover some of the costs.
The cost of not getting your dental emergency treated right away may end up being much more than the cost of treating the emergency. This is because untreated dental emergencies can cause long-term issues. Our concern is for your oral health, so please talk to our front desk staff to work out payment arrangements.
Contact Dentist of Bixby Knolls today at (562) 287-5175 if you are experiencing a dental emergency. We will be happy to help you.
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