How To Know if You Need to Make an Emergency Dentist Appointment

If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you know that the problem doesn’t just go away without intervention by a dentist. If you live in Los Angeles, California, you can find relief from dental pain and possibly save a tooth when you call Dr. Hee Jee Yoon at Hoover Dental Center. 

When you’re experiencing severe pain, have broken a tooth, or have a serious dental infection, getting help immediately is essential. How do you know if your dental problem is a dental emergency? Let’s explain in detail what is and what isn’t a dental emergency. 

How to Know if Your Dental Problem Is an Emergency

The short answer to “what is a dental emergency” is that you’re usually in severe pain. However, you can have a dental emergency even if you’re not in pain. A tooth can be at risk without any pain, and you’ll still need emergency care to save your tooth. 

Any of these issues are considered to be dental emergencies.

• One or more teeth that are loose
• Severe pain in your mouth
• Sudden extreme cold or hot tooth sensitivity
• Blood coming from your gums or teeth
• Abscess or severe infection (either of these can be life-threatening)
• Painful inflammation or swelling
• Injuries to your jaw
• A toothache that causes a swollen face or jaw

If you are experiencing any of these issues, call your Los Angeles emergency dentist immediately to help you determine if you need to get to the office for help. 

Dental Problems That Aren’t Emergencies

Some dental issues can be worrying or aggravating, but it doesn’t mean they are dental emergencies. For any of these situations, you can probably wait until the next business day to visit your dentist. 

• Mild toothache
• Broken dental crowns
• A cracked or broken tooth that isn’t causing pain
• Loss of a dental filling
• Lost retainer or mouthguard
• Chipped teeth
• Food lodged between teeth

Even though these issues aren’t dental emergencies, you still need dental care, so don’t put off going to the dentist. 

What to Do if You Have a Dental Emergency

What should you do if you have a dental emergency? Follow these steps to get emergency dental care in Los Angeles. 

1. Call Dr. Hee Jee Yoon’s office. If they can’t fit you in, they can refer you to another emergency dentist.
2. If you have an emergency, such as an abscessed tooth, it can be life-threatening. If you can’t get to the emergency dentist, go to a hospital emergency room. 
3. If a tooth falls out or is knocked out, try to keep the tooth in the socket if possible. You can use moistened gauze to help hold it in place, but don’t swallow the gauze. Put the tooth in a glass of milk and let it stay in that until you can get to the dentist’s office. 
4. Avoid touching the root if it’s exposed so you don’t introduce new bacteria. 

Urgent Dental Services Los Angeles California

When you have a dental emergency, Dr. Hee Jee Yoon and the team at Hoover Dental Center in Los Angeles, California, are here to help you find relief. Give us a call at (213) 725-2898 or request an appointment online today. 

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