A dental emergency can happen at any time, often with little to no warning. A sudden, throbbing toothache, a chipped tooth from a sports injury, or a lost crown can cause significant pain and anxiety. During these stressful moments, knowing where to turn for fast, reliable care is crucial. At Innovative Smiles, we are here for you. As a leading Long Beach emergency dentist, we prioritize urgent cases to provide immediate relief and prevent further complications, ensuring you get the expert care you need right when you need it most.
Our practice is dedicated to the principles of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (EEAT). We understand that a dental emergency requires not only swift action but also a calm, reassuring presence. Our skilled team is equipped with advanced technology and extensive training to handle a wide range of urgent dental situations. We are committed to alleviating your pain, addressing the root cause of the problem, and restoring your peace of mind in a comfortable and compassionate environment.
What Qualifies as a Dental Emergency?
It can sometimes be difficult to know if your situation requires immediate attention. While some issues can wait for a regular appointment, others demand prompt care to save a tooth or prevent serious infection. You should seek emergency dental care if you experience any of the following:
- Severe, Persistent Toothache: A throbbing pain that doesn't go away could signal a serious infection or abscess.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: Immediate action is critical to have any chance of saving the tooth.
- Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: Especially if it is causing sharp pain or has a large broken piece.
- Lost Filling or Crown: This leaves the sensitive inner part of the tooth exposed and vulnerable to damage or decay.
- Abscessed Tooth: A pimple-like swelling on the gums is a sign of a potentially life-threatening infection that requires immediate treatment.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding from the mouth that doesn't stop after applying pressure.
- Injury to the Gums, Tongue, or Cheeks: Significant soft tissue injuries with heavy bleeding.
If you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, it is always best to call our office. Our knowledgeable team can assess your symptoms over the phone and provide guidance.
Our Approach to Long Beach Emergency Dental Care
When you contact Innovative Smiles with an emergency, you become our top priority. We reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for urgent cases and will make every effort to see you on the same day.
Our emergency process includes:
- Immediate Triage: When you call, we will listen to your symptoms and provide first-aid instructions to manage pain and protect your tooth until you can get to our office.
- Rapid Diagnosis: Upon your arrival, we will quickly work to diagnose the problem. We use digital X-rays and 3D imaging to get a precise view of the issue without delay.
- Pain Relief: Our immediate goal is to get you out of pain. We will administer local anesthesia or other appropriate measures to make you comfortable.
- Effective Treatment: Once you are comfortable, we will perform the necessary treatment to address the emergency. This could range from re-implanting a tooth and splinting it, performing an emergency root canal, or placing a temporary restoration.
- Long-Term Planning: After stabilizing the immediate issue, we will discuss a long-term treatment plan to fully restore your oral health and prevent future problems.
As your dedicated Long Beach emergency dentist, we are equipped to handle a wide array of urgent needs, from simple repairs to complex surgical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental emergencies can be confusing and frightening. Here are answers to five common questions we receive.
1. What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Time is critical. Find the tooth and handle it only by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. If it's dirty, gently rinse it with milk or water, but do not scrub it. Try to place it back in the socket, holding it in place by gently biting on a clean cloth. If you can't, transport it in a small container of milk or your own saliva. Call us immediately—the best chance of saving the tooth is within the first 30-60 minutes.
2. How can I manage a severe toothache until I can see the dentist?
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce inflammation. You can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen, but do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums, as this can burn the tissue. A cold compress applied to the outside of your cheek can also help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Call our office as soon as possible.
3. What if I lose a dental crown or filling?
If you can find the crown, you can try to temporarily reattach it using dental cement or even sugar-free gum, but do not use superglue. If you lose a filling, you can place a piece of sugar-free gum in the cavity to protect it. In either case, the tooth is weakened and exposed, so it's important to see us promptly to have it properly repaired.
4. Do you accept emergency walk-in appointments?
While we strongly recommend calling ahead so we can prepare for your arrival and give you first-aid instructions, we understand that isn't always possible. We will always do our best to accommodate walk-in emergencies and provide care as quickly as possible.
5. Is emergency dental care expensive?
The cost of treatment depends entirely on the nature of your emergency. We will provide you with a clear cost estimate before proceeding with any treatment. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for emergency procedures. We also offer financing options to ensure you can get the care you need without added financial stress. Ignoring a dental problem is almost always more expensive in the long run.
Contact Our Long Beach Emergency Dentist
When faced with a dental emergency, acting quickly is the most important thing you can do. The dedicated and compassionate team at Innovative Smiles is here to provide the urgent care you need.
Save our number in your phone. If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, call your trusted Long Beach emergency dentist immediately for fast, effective relief.
