Emergency Dentistry - La Cañada Flintridge, CA
Repairing Broken Teeth and Stopping Dental Pain
In an ideal world, you would only ever have to visit Dr. Albert for routine checkups, and you’d be able to avoid any kind of dental disaster simply by brushing and flossing every day. In reality, of course, there is always the risk of a dental emergency, and you need to have a plan in place to save your smile should the worst occur. Keep our practice’s number close at hand so that you can call us for an appointment as soon as possible in case of a bad toothache or dental injury.
Why Choose Harry T. Albert, DDS for Emergency Dentistry?
- Dentist with 20+ Years of Experience
- Small Office Dedicated to Serving Families
- Quick, Decisive Treatment When You Need It
How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
From poor oral hygiene to sudden physical trauma, there are plenty of reasons why a tooth might become infected, broken, or lost. Each type of emergency is unique, and we’ll recommend different kinds of treatments depending on what we find during an examination. Of course, even before we see you, there are a few things you can do at home to get a head start on stopping the pain and take control of the situation.
Toothaches
You can take an over-the-counter painkiller if you need it, although you should make sure the medicine doesn’t come in contact with the tooth itself or your gums. Some toothaches can be resolved simply by flossing and rinsing with saltwater while others will require root canal therapy.
Chipped/Broken Teeth
If the tooth becomes too badly damaged, it might need to be extracted. In order to avoid this outcome, keep the remaining dental structure safe by avoiding hard foods or chewing with the broken tooth at all. Some swelling might occur, so apply an ice pack to the area if you need it.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Call our practice immediately and make arrangements to get to our office in less than an hour. Locate the tooth quickly and pick it up by the crown, then rinse it off and try to put it back in its socket. If it won’t fit, store it between your cheek and gums, or place it in some milk.
Lost Filling / Crown
Locate the restoration as soon as you can and inspect it carefully. A crown/filling that has remained largely intact can be (temporarily) reattached to the tooth with dental cement. If it’s not possible to put the restoration back, cover the exposed area with dental wax to keep it safe in the meantime.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies
- Schedule preventive appointments with Dr. Albert every 6 months. These visits let us prevent oral health issues or identify them before they become severe.
- Brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste every day, and use dental floss and mouthwash to remove bacteria from the spots your toothbrush can’t reach.
- Do not crunch ice, chew your fingernails, or open packages with your teeth. In general, you should never bite down on anything that’s too hard.
- Don’t forget to wear a mouthguard for any kind of sport.
The Cost of Treating Dental Emergencies
Maintaining your oral health and protecting your smile should always be your biggest priorities during an emergency, but of course, making sure that the cost of your care stays within your budget is important, too. The overall cost of your treatment will depend on the nature of your emergency and the kind of care you ultimately need. We’ll give you an estimate after your examination, and we can help you explore payment options (including insurance coverage and financing) to ensure your care is affordable.