What Is a Dental Emergency?

When it comes to oral health, knowing when to seek immediate treatment can be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major health crisis. Understanding what constitutes a dental emergency is an important part of maintaining your oral health and knowing what to do in an emergency.

Identifying a Dental Emergency

A dental emergency is any situation that requires immediate attention to save a tooth, stop ongoing tissue bleeding, or alleviate severe pain. These emergencies can range from severe toothaches to knocked-out teeth. It's important to know that not all dental problems need to be treated as emergencies. However, delaying treatment – even for seemingly minor issues – can potentially lead to more serious complications. When in doubt, reach out to an emergency dentist.

Common Dental Emergencies

The most common dental emergencies include severe toothache, chipped or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, lost dental fillings or crowns, and abscesses or dental infections. These conditions often come with pain, swelling, or bleeding, and require immediate attention from an emergency dentist. In Valley Village, you can trust Dr. Jonathan Pivo at PivoSmiles to handle these emergencies with utmost care and efficiency.

What to Do in a Dental Emergency

In a dental emergency, time is of the essence. First, try to stay calm and assess the situation. Depending on the nature of your emergency, there might be steps you can take to minimize damage or discomfort before reaching the dentist. For example, if a tooth gets knocked out, try to gently rinse it (without scrubbing) and keep it moist, ideally by placing it back in its socket or a container of cold milk or saliva. Regardless of the situation, your next step should be to contact an emergency dentist.

Preventing Dental Emergencies

While not all dental emergencies are preventable, maintaining good oral hygiene can help reduce the risk. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can keep your teeth and gums healthy, and potentially catch minor issues before they become emergencies. Wearing a mouthguard during sports and avoiding hard foods that could crack or chip teeth are other preventive measures. Despite these efforts, emergencies can still occur, so having a trusted emergency dentist is essential.

Why Choose PivoSmiles for Your Dental Emergencies

At PivoSmiles, we understand that dental emergencies can be stressful and often painful. That's why Dr. Jonathan Pivo and his team are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care when you need it most. With our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced staff, we can handle a wide range of dental emergencies, ensuring you get the treatment you need, when you need it.

Don't Wait, Reach Out Today!

If you're experiencing a dental emergency, don't wait. Every minute counts when it comes to preserving your oral health. Call us at (818) 766-3777 to get immediate assistance from an experienced emergency dentist in Valley Village. At PivoSmiles, we're ready to help you smile again.