Frequently Asked Questions About Emergency Dentistry
Emergency Dentist Questions

Dental Emergency FAQs

Dental Emergency FAQs Long Beach, CA

No two dental emergencies are exactly the same, and the right course of treatment often depends on factors such as recency of the injury and severity of damage. Luckily, if you’re experiencing one, we’re here to help you figure out exactly what kind of care you need.

What is a Dental Emergency?

Any dental problem that requires immediate treatment in order to assuage severe pain, stop bleeding, and/or to repair damaged or knocked-out teeth is considered an emergency.

When Should I Visit the Dentist If I Have a Dental Emergency?

The general rule is the sooner, the better. Receiving prompt care is especially critical if you get a tooth knocked out, but in the case of inconvenient but not necessarily urgent problems such as a broken brace, you might be able to wait a day or so for treatment if it’s not possible to receive immediate attention. When in doubt, you can call us at (562) 373-0026, and if you’re experiencing a dental issue we cannot treat – such as multiple knocked-out teeth or heavy bleeding caused by a traumatic injury – you should head to the nearest hospital emergency room.

What Dental Emergencies Do You Treat at Dentist of Long Beach?

Some of the most common dental emergencies that we treat include the following:

  • Knocked-out teeth
  • Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
  • Tooth and jaw pain
  • Bleeding and/or swelling gums
  • Broken braces
  • Foreign objects stuck in teeth and/or gums
What Should I Do If My Tooth Gets Knocked Out?

See a dentist within an hour of the tooth being knocked out in order to save it, and if you cannot be seen right away head to an emergency room. Make sure the tooth is clean and sanitized before transporting it, and do not remove any of the pulp or tissue. If you cannot place the tooth back in its original socket, either store it in milk or hold it in your mouth while making sure it remains coated in saliva.

What Should I Do If I Get A Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth?

If an injury damages your tooth, you should gather the broken pieces if possible and then place them in a clean container for transport. Depending on the severity of the damage, we can determine the proper course of treatment once you make an appointment to see us in person.

What Should I Do If My Braces Get Broken?

If a braces bracket comes off or broken wire is irritating the inside of your mouth, try to see us as soon as possible so we can safely repair the problem. In the meantime, you can also use orthodontic wax to soothe any pain and protect your mouth from further damage.

What Should I Do If Something Gets Stuck in My Teeth?

If an obstruction cannot be removed with floss, schedule an appointment with us so a dentist can remove the item safely. You should not attempt to use any pointed or sharp objects to dislodge the item – you could end up causing further damage to your teeth and/or gums.

Are Emergency Dental Services Expensive?

All dental emergencies are different, so the cost may range anywhere in between from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand if the treatment is especially comprehensive. Dental insurance generally covers some if not all of the costs. Don’t worry even if you’re uninsured – we can work with you to determine a flexible payment plan that’ll allow you to cover the cost of treatment at your own pace. Above all, we want to make sure that you’re able to receive whatever care you need.

Want To Know More About Dental Emergencies?

If you think you might be experiencing a dental emergency call our qualified dentistry team at Dentist of Long Beach, at (562) 373-0026 right away!