What Is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is an oral health problem that requires prompt professional attention. Common dental emergencies may include:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Loose or displaced teeth
- Dental abscesses or swelling
- Lost or damaged fillings
- Lost or broken dental crowns
- Injuries to the teeth or gums
- Pain or swelling around a tooth
If you are unsure whether your situation requires urgent care, contact our office and describe your symptoms.
Emergency Treatment for Toothaches
Tooth pain can be caused by decay, infection, a damaged restoration, a cracked tooth, or inflammation inside the tooth.
Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may involve a filling, dental crown, root canal treatment, or another procedure.
Broken or Cracked Teeth
Teeth can break from an injury, biting something hard, tooth decay, or everyday wear. Even if the tooth does not initially hurt, it should be evaluated to determine how much damage has occurred.
Prompt treatment may help preserve the natural tooth and prevent additional damage.
Knocked-Out Teeth
A knocked-out permanent tooth requires immediate attention. Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root. If necessary, gently rinse away debris without scrubbing the tooth.
If the tooth cannot be safely returned to its socket, keep it moist in an appropriate tooth preservation solution or milk and contact a dentist immediately.
If the tooth cannot be saved, future replacement options may include a dental bridge or dental implant.
Lost Fillings and Crowns
Fillings and crowns can occasionally loosen, break, or fall out. The exposed tooth may become sensitive or vulnerable to additional damage.
Avoid chewing on the affected side and contact our office for an evaluation. Do not use household glue to reattach a dental crown.
Dental Infections and Abscesses
Dental infections can cause persistent pain, swelling, sensitivity, a bad taste, or a bump on the gums. They should be evaluated promptly.
Treatment depends on the source and severity of the infection and may include root canal treatment or other appropriate dental care.
What to Expect During an Emergency Dental Visit
The first priority is identifying the source of the problem. Dr. Sadat will evaluate your symptoms, examine the affected area, and may take digital X-rays or perform additional diagnostic testing when appropriate.
Once the problem is identified, treatment options will be discussed. Some problems can be treated during the emergency appointment, while others may require temporary care followed by additional treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Sadat for Emergency Dentistry in Santa Monica?
When you are in dental pain, you want answers quickly, but you also want a dentist who will take the time to identify what is actually causing the problem. Dr. Fahtema Sadat approaches emergency dentistry with the same thorough, calm care she brings to every appointment.
A graduate of NYU College of Dentistry, Dr. Sadat evaluates the immediate problem while also considering the health of the surrounding teeth, gums, and bite. Her priority is to address discomfort, explain what she finds clearly, and recommend the appropriate next step without adding unnecessary stress.
After your emergency has been addressed, routine dental exams and cleanings can help identify developing concerns before they become urgent.
For urgent dental concerns, call Santa Monica Dental Studio at 310-453-4488 — we do our best to accommodate urgent and emergency cases the same day.
Answers about emergency dentistry
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Severe tooth pain, infections, significant swelling, knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, uncontrolled oral bleeding, and dental injuries may require urgent attention.
Can I get an emergency dental appointment for a severe toothache?
A severe or persistent toothache should be evaluated promptly. The cause of the pain must be identified before the appropriate treatment can be recommended.
What should I do if I knock out a permanent tooth?
Handle it by the crown, avoid touching the root, keep it moist, and contact a dentist immediately. Prompt treatment may improve the possibility of saving the tooth.
What should I do if my dental crown falls off?
Keep the crown, avoid chewing on the affected tooth, and contact the dental office. Do not attempt to permanently reattach it yourself.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of a dentist?
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma, loss of consciousness, or rapidly increasing facial swelling.
A dental problem that cannot wait?
Call our office as soon as possible and we will help you get the care you need.