5 Signs You Need to See an Emergency Dentist in Santa Monica

Dental emergencies can strike unexpectedly, and many people are unsure where to turn for care. In fact, nearly two million emergency room visits each year are attributed to dental emergencies, with a significant portion of these cases ultimately referred to emergency dentists for specialized treatment. This staggering number highlights a common dilemma faced by individuals experiencing oral health crises: Should they seek help from a dentist or go directly to an emergency room?

The confusion surrounding this decision often leads to unnecessary hospital visits, potentially delaying proper dental care and incurring higher costs. By understanding when it's appropriate to see an emergency dentist, you can not only ensure you receive the most suitable treatment options for your dental issue but also avoid expensive and potentially time-consuming trips to the emergency room.

Read on to learn about the five most common reasons to visit an emergency dentist in Santa Monica and when to head to the ER. 

Five Reasons to See an Emergency Dentist 

Recognizing when you should see an emergency dentist can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth, managing tooth pain effectively, or preventing a minor issue from escalating into a major problem. Some of the most common reasons to seek emergency dental care include the following:

1. Severe Toothache

A severe toothache is usually a sign of serious dental issues — such as advanced tooth decay, a tooth infection, or a dental abscess. If you're experiencing intense, persistent pain that doesn't subside with over-the-counter pain relievers like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), it's time to see an emergency dentist. They can diagnose the underlying cause and provide immediate relief, potentially preventing further complications.

2. Knocked-Out Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a time-sensitive emergency because if it is addressed within an hour, there's a chance the tooth can be successfully replanted. When dealing with a knocked-out tooth, it’s essential to follow a few steps to ensure the tooth has the best chance of being reattached: 

• Carefully pick up the tooth by the chewing surface of the tooth
• Rinse the tooth gently with water — being careful not to scrub
• Rinse your mouth with water to clean out any debris
• Try to reinsert the tooth into its socket — if that's not possible, keep the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva
• See an emergency dentist as soon as possible
• If the tooth is in pieces, be sure to bring all parts of the tooth with you

Contact sports are a common cause of getting a tooth knocked out. However, you can protect your teeth by getting a custom-fitted mouth guard at most dental offices. Mouth guards can also be used if you grind your teeth, which can weaken the integrity of your teeth — leading to breaks or cracks. 

3. Canker Sore That Won't Go Away

While most canker sores heal on their own within a week or two, persistent sores can be a sign of a more serious condition. If you have a canker sore that lasts longer than two weeks, is unusually large, or is accompanied by fever or severe pain, you should consult an emergency dentist to rule out oral cancer or other serious issues.

4. Loose or Broken Tooth

A loose or broken tooth can be the result of dental injury or dental decay — however, it's important to seek emergency dental care to prevent further damage or tooth loss. Be sure to avoid wiggling the tooth and, if possible, gently push it back into position. An emergency dentist can stabilize the tooth and determine the best course of treatment.

5. Lost a Dental Filling, Crown, or Bridge

Losing a filling, crown, or bridge can expose sensitive areas of your teeth and possibly even your tooth root. This can lead to pain and increase the risk of further damage to your tooth. While losing a crown or filling may not always be painful, seeing an emergency dentist as soon as possible is important to have the dental restoration replaced or repaired to protect your tooth from additional harm.

Emergency Room vs. Dentist: How to Know Where to Go

Emergency dentists are specifically trained to handle dental emergencies that are not life-threatening, including:

• Severe tooth pain, with or without a fever 
• Getting a tooth knocked out 
• Having a broken or chipped tooth
• Losing a filling or crown
• An infected tooth, often called a tooth abscess

Emergency rooms, on the other hand, are best equipped to handle life-threatening situations or severe trauma that extend beyond dental issues. For instance, if you're experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, severe facial or jaw injuries, or difficulty breathing or swallowing due to swelling, heading to the emergency room is the best choice. 

Where to Find the Best Emergency Dentist in Santa Monica

Emergency dental care can get you fast relief from pain and help prevent minor issues from becoming bigger problems — protecting the health and structure of your teeth and gums. For Delta Dental members, having access to timely emergency dental services means that any unexpected oral health challenges can be handled swiftly, reducing discomfort and helping maintain your smile's beauty. If you’re looking for a dentist in Santa Monica who takes Delta Dental, we’re here to help!

Dr. Melanie is a Delta Dental preferred provider who brings her expertise to Santa Monica with her cutting-edge dental clinic on Wilshire Blvd. Leading her team of skilled dental professionals, Dr. Melanie provides rapid pain relief and advanced techniques for tooth preservation. 

Ready to get fast emergency dental care from the top general dentist in Santa Monica?