What is a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is marked by severe dental pain. This pain can be caused by a number of different conditions, including a knocked-out, cracked, or infected tooth. Dental pain can set on slowly, building over a period of days or weeks, or it can happen suddenly, which is the case with most forms of dental trauma. No matter the cause, if you are in pain, unable to attend to daily tasks, or fear you may lose a tooth—you need to seek out emergency dental care.
Not sure if your situation qualifies? It’s important to keep in mind that putting off care now can result in more invasive or expensive procedures later on. Some forms of dental pain can even be life-threatening. Don’t ignore your tooth pain! Contact our office for guidance.
Tooth Pain Caused by Dental Abscesses
One of the most common dental emergencies we treat are dental abscesses. Most often, untreated tooth decay has spread into the pulp of the tooth and caused an infection. The infection can produce an abscess at the apex of the tooth and significant pain.
This problem can also be caused by a tooth fracture or severe abrasion due to night grinding (bruxism) or untreated dental trauma. Once the pulp is exposed through an injury, the tooth will become vulnerable and can present significant sensitivity or aching.
Unless the infection is removed by a skilled dentist, the infection will continue to spread and the pain will be present. Our emergency dentists near West Hills often recommend a root canal treatment to remove the diseased pulp and the infection. The abscess formed under the tooth causes pressure and by accessing the canal, the pressure is released and the patient will automatically be relieved of the pain.
When a root canal cannot be completed, a desensitizing agent can be applied to the exposed pulp and this will help to ease the pain. In some cases, simply accessing the canal and extirpating pulp will be enough. This will be a temporary solution for the problem. The tooth will be temporarily sealed and the patient will be released and scheduled for a root canal appointment.
Other Types of Dental Emergencies
Apart from tooth pain, there are many other situations that may require a person to seek out urgent dental care.
Broken Appliances
A broken denture or crown compromises the patient’s oral functions so immediate repairs have to be done. This is something that our emergency dentists in Woodland Hills are prepared to offer. Some of the repairs that can be done will involve simple relining, recementation of crowns, re-attachment of broken components and attachment of dislodged pontics or artificial teeth.
Cracked and Knocked-Out Teeth
Damage to the teeth, such as from a physical blow to the face, can require immediate attention from an emergency dentist near West Hills. Cracked, broken, or even significantly chipped teeth can be very painful, especially if the pulp or root is exposed in the process.
A knocked-out tooth, also called an avulsion, should definitely be attended to immediately. If one of your teeth is knocked out, pick it up by the crown (never the root), gently rinse under running water, and bring it with you to our office. If possible, try to fit the tooth back into its socket facing the correct way—this is the best way to transport your tooth. Alternatively, hold it between the gums and cheek, or place it in a small container of milk.
Visit Our Emergency Dentist in Woodland Hills
West Valley Dental Center is staffed by compassionate and effective dental professionals who are committed to relieving your pain as quickly as possible. No matter your dental emergency, we are standing by to help. Contact our emergency dentist in Woodland Hills today for instructions, questions, or to make an appointment.
